Conduct research on nutritional issues affecting the health and fitness of service members, and supports the Surgeon General’s responsibilities as the Department of Defense executive agent for nutrition. Evaluates new rations and examines the interactions between nutrition, performance and the environment.

Primary Research Areas

• Bioenergetics

• Healthy Weight Management

• Combat Ration Testing
  

Research in Progress

• Efficacy of nutritionally optimized first strike ration for sustaining physical and cognitive performance.

• The effect of amino acid supplementation on skeletal muscle protein turnover following endurance exercise.

• Efficacy of iron supplementation for the maintenance of iron status during basic combat training.

• Impact of dietary zinc on protein synthesis, bone health & immune function.

• Persistence of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in the human intestinal tract.

• Efficacy of ‘Weigh to Stay’ program using conventional foods vs. meal replacements on weight loss and weight maintenance in active duty Soldiers.

• Over-the-counter Orlistat for weight loss: efficacy in overweight, active duty soldiers.
  

Future Objectives & Challenges

Operational Nutrition & Metabolism

• Exercise, Nutrition & Metabolism

• Nutrient requirements for cognitive work

• Satiety & hunger suppression

• Nutritionally enhanced resistance to disease & infection

Healthy Weight Management

• Prevention

• Database tracking at risk & post-treatment personnel

• Risk factors: identifying, screening & modulation

• Weight loss interventions

• Differences in body weight regulation between men and women

Ration Sustainment Testing

• Development of a nutrient database for all field rations
  

Military Nutrition Division’s Contribution to Products

• Rations and Supplements: Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MRE's), First Strike Ration, First Strike Bar, Ergo Drink

• Doctrine & Training

• Performance enhancing food additives

• Nutrient Delivery System

MND science played an important part in the development of the First Strike Ration, 2006 winner of the Army's collaboration award.

Military Nutrition Division Materials
To learn more about MND science, research or faciliies view the documents listed below:

Military Nutrition Division Brochure

Nutrient Delivery System Information Sheet