Male Army ROTC Cadets Fail to Meet Military Dietary Reference Intakes and Exhibit a High Prevalence of Low Energy Availability and Poor Sleep Quality

The purpose of this study was to assess the dietary habits, prevalence low energy availability (EA), and sleep quality in a cohort male army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets, investigate relationship between EA as well various body composition variables that are important for tactical readiness. Thirteen ROTC cadets (22.2 ± 4.1 yrs; BMI: 26.1 2.3) had their assessed using diet exercise records alongside bioelectrical impedance analysis. Cadets also completed validated questionnaire. Sixty-two percent participants presented with clinically (<30 kcal/kg fat-free mass [FFM]) none met optimum threshold (≥45 kcals/kg FFM). Dietary analysis indicated 15%, 23%, 46%, 7% Military Reference Intakes (MDRI) calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, respectively. Additionally, 85% exhibited poor quality. Significant associations fat mass/percent were shown (p < 0.05). There was, however, no statistically significant correlation present found high disturbance among many unable meet MDRIs macronutrient intake. Further, associated higher but not