Abstract

This position stand aims to provide an evidence-based summary of the energy and nutritional demands of tactical athletes to promote optimal health and performance while keeping in mind the unique challenges faced due to work schedules, job demands, and austere environments. After a critical analysis of the literature, the following nutritional guidelines represent the position of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN).

General Recommendations

Nutritional considerations should include the provision and timing of adequate calories, macronutrients, and fluid to meet daily needs as well as strategic nutritional supplementation to improve physical, cognitive, and occupational performance outcomes; reduce risk of injury, obesity, and cardiometabolic disease; reduce the potential for a fatal mistake; and promote occupational readiness.

Military Recommendations

Energy demands should be met by utilizing the Military Dietary Reference Intakes (MDRIs) established and codified in Army Regulation 40-25. Although research is somewhat limited, military personnel may also benefit from caffeine, creatine monohydrate, essential amino acids, protein, omega-3-fatty acids, beta-alanine, and L-tyrosine supplementation, especially during high-stress conditions.

First Responder Recommendations

Specific energy needs are unknown and may vary depending on occupation-specific tasks. It is likely the general caloric intake and macronutrient guidelines for recreational athletes or the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges for the general healthy adult population may benefit first responders. Strategies such as implementing wellness policies, setting up supportive food environments, encouraging healthier food systems, and using community resources to offer evidence-based nutrition classes are inexpensive and potentially meaningful ways to improve physical activity and diet habits. The following provides a more detailed overview of the literature and recommendations for these populations.

Details

Title
International society of sports nutrition position stand: tactical athlete nutrition
Author
Gonzalez, Drew E 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; McAllister, Matthew J 2   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Waldman, Hunter S 3   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Ferrando, Arny A 4 ; Joyce, Jill 5 ; Barringer, Nicholas D 6 ; Dawes, J Jay 7 ; Kieffer, Adam J 8 ; Harvey, Travis 9 ; Kerksick, Chad M 10   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Stout, Jeffrey R 11   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Ziegenfuss, Tim N 12 ; Zapp, Annette 13 ; Tartar, Jamie L 14 ; Heileson, Jeffery L 15   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; VanDusseldorp, Trisha A 16 ; Kalman, Douglas S 17   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Campbell, Bill I 18 ; Jose, Antonio 19   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Kreider, Richard B 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo 

1  Exercise & Sport Nutrition Laboratory, Human Clinical Research Facility, Department of Health & Kinesiology Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA 
2  Texas State University, Metabolic and Applied Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health & Human Performance, San Marcos, TX, USA 
3  University of North Alabama, Department of Kinesiology, Florence, AL, USA 
4  University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Geriatrics, Little Rock, AR, USA 
5  Oklahoma State University, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Stillwater, OK, USA 
6  US. Army-Baylor Master’s Program in Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, San Antonio, TX, USA 
7  Oklahoma State University, Department of Kinesiology, Applied Health, and Recreation, Stillwater, OK, USA 
8  Brooke Army Medical Center, Department of Nutritional Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA 
9  United States Special Operations Command, Preservation of the Force and Family, Tampa, FL, USA 
10  Lindenwood University, Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory, College of Science, Technology, and Health, St. Charles, MO, USA 
11  University of Central Florida, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy, Orlando, FL, USA 
12  The Center for Applied Health Sciences, Canfield, OH, USA 
13  Fire Rescue Wellness, Montgomery, IL, USA 
14  Nova Southeastern University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA 
15  Baylor University, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, Waco, TX, USA 
16  Research & Development, Bonafide Health LLC, Harrison, NY, USA 
17  Dr. Kiran C Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Nutrition Department, Davie, FL, USA 
18  University of South Florida, Performance & Physique Enhancement Laboratory, Exercise Science Program, Tampa, FL, USA 
19  Fight Science Laboratory, Nova Southeastern University, Department of Health and Human Performance, Davie, FL, USA 
Pages
267-315
Publication year
2022
Publication date
Dec 2022
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Ltd.
e-ISSN
1550-2783
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2022.2086017
ProQuest document ID
3106348251
Copyright
© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.