The Physiological Basis for Various Constituents in Survival Rations. Part 4. An Integrative Study of the All-Purpose Survival Ration for Temperate, Cold, and Hot Weather

Abstract : The problem of an all-purpose survival ration suitable for the healthy young castaway in any environment from cold to hot has been solved by five years' intensive investigation. One and the same nutrient combination can and should be used for all environments, for any daily work loads from light to hard, and for any water supply from limited to abundant. Three separate studies simulating survival were required: temperate conditions, moderate work; winter cold, light and hard work; summer heat, light and hard work. A total of 8698 subject-days yielded results of statistical reliability. The quantitative characteristics of the all-purpose survival regimen were established by physiological, biochemical, nutritional, and clinical observations on the relative effects of water intake, total calorie intake, osmotic intake, ketosis, and ratio of protein, carbohydrate, and fat, for 20 different experimental regimens. Numerous systematic observations were made on healthy young men during successive two-week periods of adequate, restricted, and recovery diets.