International society of sports nutrition position stand: tactical athlete nutrition

Drew E Gonzalez; Matthew J McAllister; Hunter S Waldman; Arny A Ferrando; Jill Joyce; Nicholas D Barringer; J Jay Dawes; Adam J Kieffer; Travis Harvey; Chad M Kerksick; Jeffrey R Stout; Tim N Ziegenfuss; Annette Zapp; Jamie L Tartar; Jeffery L Heileson; Trisha A VanDusseldorp; Douglas S Kalman; Bill I Campbell; Jose Antonio; Richard B Kreider

doi:10.1080/15502783.2022.2086017

International society of sports nutrition position stand: tactical athlete nutrition

J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2022 Jun 23;19(1):267-315. doi: 10.1080/15502783.2022.2086017. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Drew E Gonzalez¹, Matthew J McAllister², Hunter S Waldman³, Arny A Ferrando⁴, Jill Joyce⁵, Nicholas D Barringer⁶, J Jay Dawes⁷, Adam J Kieffer⁸, Travis Harvey⁹, Chad M Kerksick¹⁰, Jeffrey R Stout¹¹, Tim N Ziegenfuss¹², Annette Zapp¹³, Jamie L Tartar¹⁴, Jeffery L Heileson¹⁵, Trisha A VanDusseldorp¹⁶, Douglas S Kalman¹⁷, Bill I Campbell¹⁸, Jose Antonio¹⁹, Richard B Kreider¹

Affiliations

¹ Exercise & Sport Nutrition Laboratory, Human Clinical Research Facility, Department of Health & Kinesiology Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
² Texas State University, Metabolic and Applied Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health & Human Performance, San Marcos, TX, USA.
³ University of North Alabama, Department of Kinesiology, Florence, AL, USA.
⁴ University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Geriatrics, Little Rock, AR, USA.
⁵ Oklahoma State University, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Stillwater, OK, USA.
⁶ US. Army-Baylor Master's Program in Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, San Antonio, TX, USA.
⁷ Oklahoma State University, Department of Kinesiology, Applied Health, and Recreation, Stillwater, OK, USA.
⁸ Brooke Army Medical Center, Department of Nutritional Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA.
⁹ United States Special Operations Command, Preservation of the Force and Family, Tampa, FL, USA.
¹⁰ Lindenwood University, Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory, College of Science, Technology, and Health, St. Charles, MO, USA.
¹¹ University of Central Florida, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy, Orlando, FL, USA.
¹² The Center for Applied Health Sciences, Canfield, OH, USA.
¹³ Fire Rescue Wellness, Montgomery, IL, USA.
¹⁴ Nova Southeastern University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.
¹⁵ Baylor University, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, Waco, TX, USA.
¹⁶ Research & Development, Bonafide Health LLC, Harrison, NY, USA.
¹⁷ Dr. Kiran C Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Nutrition Department, Davie, FL, USA.
¹⁸ University of South Florida, Performance & Physique Enhancement Laboratory, Exercise Science Program, Tampa, FL, USA.
¹⁹ Fight Science Laboratory, Nova Southeastern University, Department of Health and Human Performance, Davie, FL, USA.

Abstract

This position stand aims to provide an evidence-based summary of the energy and nutritional demands of tactical athletes to promote optimal health and performance while keeping in mind the unique challenges faced due to work schedules, job demands, and austere environments. After a critical analysis of the literature, the following nutritional guidelines represent the position of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN).

General recommendations: Nutritional considerations should include the provision and timing of adequate calories, macronutrients, and fluid to meet daily needs as well as strategic nutritional supplementation to improve physical, cognitive, and occupational performance outcomes; reduce risk of injury, obesity, and cardiometabolic disease; reduce the potential for a fatal mistake; and promote occupational readiness.

Military recommendations: Energy demands should be met by utilizing the Military Dietary Reference Intakes (MDRIs) established and codified in Army Regulation 40-25. Although research is somewhat limited, military personnel may also benefit from caffeine, creatine monohydrate, essential amino acids, protein, omega-3-fatty acids, beta-alanine, and L-tyrosine supplementation, especially during high-stress conditions.

First responder recommendations: Specific energy needs are unknown and may vary depending on occupation-specific tasks. It is likely the general caloric intake and macronutrient guidelines for recreational athletes or the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges for the general healthy adult population may benefit first responders. Strategies such as implementing wellness policies, setting up supportive food environments, encouraging healthier food systems, and using community resources to offer evidence-based nutrition classes are inexpensive and potentially meaningful ways to improve physical activity and diet habits. The following provides a more detailed overview of the literature and recommendations for these populations.

Keywords: LEO; Tactical athletes; ergogenic aids; fire; first responders; law enforcement; military; nutrition; occupational athletes; police; readiness.

MeSH terms

Athletes
Diet
Energy Intake
Exercise / physiology
Humans
Nutritional Requirements
Sports Nutritional Sciences*

Grants and funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.