The Effect of Ration Military Supplemented with Functional Food on Cardiopulmonary Endurance in Military Athletes: a Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background and Aim: In difficult conditions, the military needs high-energy and macronutrient and micronutrient-rich nutrition during intense physical activity to achieve optimal levels of fitness. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Compact Food Bar (CFB) designed on cardiopulmonary endurance in military athletes. Methods: Forty-five military personnels with aging between 20 and 45 years were assigned into two groups in this randomized, single blind, controlled clinical trial. Subjects in the intervention group received three packs, 700kcal each, of CFB supplemented with Functional compounds (Caffeine, L-arginine, and Propolis) designed, each day for 10 days. The other group consumed regular food used in military training courses with the same calories as control per day for the same period of time. The conditions for performing the activities in terms of some variables such as temperature, humidity, sports coverage, sleep, type of sports, and caloric activities were the same for all samples. Maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2 Max) as a measure of cardio-respiratory endurance in vitro with cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), anthropometric indices by body composition and physical activity with a pedometer were measured and recorded at the baseline and the end of the trial. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16 software. Results: In the CFB group, Vo2 max, Vo2/HR and VE/Vo2 were significantly improved at the end of the study (P<0.01). Vo2 max, Vo2/HR, and VE/Vo2 were significantly increased in the CFB group compared with the control group (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the mean of VE/Vco2, and exercise ventilation (VE) (P>0/05). Body weight, body mass index (BMI), lean body mass (LBM), and body fat mass (BFM) did not alter in the CFB group at the end of the study (P>0.05). Conclusion: The consumption of CFB supplemented with caffeine, L-arginine, and propolis has a more effective response to improved cardiopulmonary endurance in military athletes compared with the regular food group.