Nutrient intake and food use of Finnish conscripts in garrison, on leave, and in encampment conditions.
BACKGROUND
80% of Finnish men fill their civic duty and complete military service. Conscripts' dietary habits have been studied limitedly.


OBJECTIVE
The aim was to determine conscripts' nutrient intake and food use in garrison, on leave, and in encampment conditions.


METHODS
This study examined volunteer conscripts in: (1) garrison and leave conditions (n=47) and (2) encampment conditions (n=31). Data were collected using food diaries.


RESULTS
The proportion of energy derived from fat was 32.9% at garrison and 36.5% at encampment and on leave. Saturated fat constituted 12.5 energy % at garrison, 15.0 energy % at encampment, and 15.3 energy % on leave. Sucrose intake was high at encampment (17.7 energy %) and on leave (13.0 energy %). Salt, vitamin, and mineral intakes exceeded national recommendations in all conditions. Fiber intakes did not reach recommendations.


CONCLUSIONS
At garrison and encampment, nutrient intakes reached recommendations. In free time, conscripts favored energy-rich nutrient-poor foods, which warrants intervening and dietary education.
Bingham
Clarissa M L
CM
Department of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention, National Public Health Institute, Mannerheimintie 166, 00300 Helsinki, Finland.
Ovaskainen
Marja-leena
ML
Tapanainen
Heli
H
Lahti-Koski
Marjaana
M
Sahi
Timo
T
Paturi
Merja
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002165:Camping; D015930:Diet Records; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005387:Finland; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008887:Military Medicine; D008889:Military Personnel; D009752:Nutritional Status; D055815:Young Adult