Comparison of the Intake of Macronutrients and Antioxidant Compounds Based on Military Force’ Stress

Healthy diet as one of the most important aspects of health has the main impact on physical and mental functioning of people under stress conditions. The aim of this study was to compare the intake of macronutrients and antioxidant compounds based on military stress.

105 military personnel aged 18 to 45 years in operational zones with different degrees of stress were enrolled in this study. Military personnel were allocated into two groups with high (n = 27) and low (n = 48) stress and the food intake of each group was compared. Dass21, IPAQ, FFQ 168 item and demographic data questionnaires were used to assess the subjects. Data were analyzed using SPSS software 20 version.

Both groups were match in terms of demographic data. The low stress group had significantly higher vitamin E, selenium, protein, total dairy and low fat dairy intake than the high stress group (p<0.05). The low stress group also had higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, energy, fat and meat than the high stress group. Fast food intake and biscuits were lower in the low stress group than in the high stress group, although these differences were not significant (p>0.05).

The study found that military people with low stress levels had higher levels of selenium, vitamin E, and vitamin C intakes than those with high levels of stress. Military people with low stress levels had a better dietary pattern.