Nutritional Assessment of U.S. Military Academy Cadets at West Point: Part 2. Assessment of Nutritional Intake

The dietary intakes of U.S. Military Academy (USMA) cadets were assessed during 7 days in Spring 1990 to determine the nutritional ramifications of optional attendance at weekday evening meals and the impact of the Army Nutrition Initiatives on lowering intakes of sodium, fat, and cholesterol over a ten-year period. The cadets were grouped by gender (119 males, 86 females) and the number of weekday evening meals (0-1, 2-3, 4-5) consumed in the Cadet Mess. The mean nutrient intakes of all groups, except the 0-1 female group which had low protein, magnesium, and zinc intakes, met the Military Recommended Dietary Allowances (MRDA). In general, the greater the number of meals consumed in the Cadet Mess the higher (p0.05) the percentage of cadets with adequate intakes ( or = 100% MRDA). However, in each group, there were individuals with low (70% MRDA) intakes. Cadets eating the fewest meals in the Cadet Mess were heavier and fatter, but no differences in body composition were detected by level of energy intake. Serum lipids were unaffected by energy intake, and iron status was not affected by iron intakes. In the last decade, fat consumption decreased from 38% to 32% of the calories; cholesterol intake decreased from 500 mg to 327 mg/ cadet/day. Sodium intakes were also within acceptable limits. Thus, the dietary changes made by USMA in compliance with the Army Nutrition Initiatives had a favorable impact on the dietary intakes of the cadets.