Smid Dagmar J, Klous Lisa, Ballak Sam B, Catoire Milène, De Hoogh Iris M, Hoevenaars Femke P M
Research group Microbiology and Systems Biology, Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, Netherlands.
Research group Human Performance, Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, Netherlands.
Front Physiol. 2025 Feb 28;16:1539615. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2025.1539615. eCollection 2025.
As a basis for performance optimal nutritional balance is key to keep the body functioning at homeostatic capacity. When environmental circumstances become challenging such as in a cold environment extraordinary performance is requested specifically for physiological (i.e., vascular response, diet induced thermogenesis, immune response), and cognitive mechanisms (i.e., cognitive function, psychological and cognitive wellbeing) of the human body. In this review we describe which nutritional strategies could enhance military performance in the cold by mitigation of CWIs.
We will first describe how exposure to cold affects the physiological or cognitive mechanisms itself and then we will explain how nutrition can be used to optimize these affected mechanisms. We will discuss long-term nutritional solutions preventing shortfalls and potential direct quick fixes for physiological and cognitive mechanisms.
For optimal functioning of the immune system and infection prevention, absence of micronutrient deficiencies is key and should be pursued amongst military personnel. For the effectivity of PUFA's, Echinacea purpurea and probiotics in immune functioning, more research is needed in the CWO context. A multitude of micronutrients (i.e., nitrate, L-citrulline, L-arginine) appears to be able to enhance vasodilation, perhaps partially offsetting the detrimental effect of cold on peripheral blood circulation. Although the direct effect of diet induced thermogenesis is small in comparison to being physically active, it is of interest to investigate the effects of adding a combination of spices to the rations, such as capsaicin from red pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and menthol. Also, of interest for stimulation of thermogenesis are caffeine, and polyphenolic compounds. Caffeine and tyrosine supplementation 1 h, resp. 2 h before a cognitively demanding task during CWOs could be used to mitigate decreases in cognitive performance. Alternatives that are of interest, but need more research, include chocolate polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids.
Even though some recommendations can be provided, it is evident that much information regarding the effectiveness and application of micronutrients in cold weather operations is still lacking. More focus should be placed on investigating (micro)nutritional solutions, practical feasibility, and implementation in operational military personnel to better understand the magnitude of the possible benefits in cold conditions.
作为表现的基础，最佳营养平衡是维持身体在稳态能力下正常运作的关键。当环境条件变得具有挑战性时，比如在寒冷环境中，人体的生理机制（即血管反应、饮食诱导产热、免疫反应）和认知机制（即认知功能、心理和认知健康）就需要有非凡的表现。在本综述中，我们描述了哪些营养策略可以通过减轻寒冷引起的损伤（CWI）来提高军事表现。
我们首先将描述暴露于寒冷如何影响生理或认知机制本身，然后解释如何利用营养来优化这些受影响的机制。我们将讨论预防不足的长期营养解决方案以及针对生理和认知机制的潜在直接快速解决方案。
对于免疫系统的最佳功能和预防感染，关键是军事人员不存在微量营养素缺乏的情况，应努力做到这一点。关于多不饱和脂肪酸、紫锥菊和益生菌在免疫功能方面的有效性，在寒冷引起的损伤（CWO）背景下还需要更多研究。多种微量营养素（即硝酸盐、L-瓜氨酸、L-精氨酸）似乎能够增强血管舒张，这可能部分抵消寒冷对外周血液循环的有害影响。尽管与进行体育活动相比，饮食诱导产热的直接作用较小，但研究在口粮中添加多种香料（如红辣椒中的辣椒素、肉桂、生姜和薄荷醇）的效果是有意义的。此外，咖啡因和多酚类化合物对产热的刺激作用也值得关注。在寒冷引起的损伤（CWO）期间，在认知要求较高的任务前1小时和2小时分别补充咖啡因和酪氨酸，可用于减轻认知表现的下降。有吸引力但需要更多研究的替代方案包括巧克力多酚和ω-3脂肪酸。
尽管可以提供一些建议，但显然在寒冷天气行动中，关于微量营养素有效性和应用的许多信息仍然缺乏。应更加关注研究（微）营养解决方案、实际可行性以及在作战军事人员中的实施情况，以便更好地了解在寒冷条件下可能带来的益处的程度。
