Effects of Protein Supplementation on Lean Body Mass Recovery From Extreme Military Training

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the physiological consequences of extreme military
training and determine whether protein supplementation enhances recovery by promoting gains
in lean body mass. This study will be conducted at the US Marine Survive, Evade, Resist,
Escape (SERE) school at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

SERE school may be an ideal setting to assess nutritional interventions that promote
recovery from severe military operational stress, and identify innate or experiential
variables that may lead to increased levels of resilience in Warfighters. Our laboratory
has recently demonstrated the detrimental effects and stressful nature of SERE. Heart rates
and stress-related hormones increased dramatically, with concomitant reductions in
circulating anabolic hormones. Additionally, SERE causes significant weight loss (15-20
lbs), which probably included lean body mass. The effects of severe operational stress
induced by SERE, particularly the loss of lean mass, may degrade physical performance,
increase injury risk, and compromise military readiness. Under controlled laboratory
conditions, consuming high protein diets or supplemental high-quality protein promotes
muscle protein retention, enhances muscle protein synthesis, and protects lean body mass in
response to stress. Whether consuming supplemental protein promotes lean mass recovery and
physiological resilience following a 'real-world' military stress has not been determined.
Further, the level of supplemental protein necessary to optimize recovery from extreme
military operational stress has not been elucidated.

Up to 90 US Marines will be enrolled in a 46-day double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Using complex body composition measurements, kinetic modeling of human metabolism, blood
sampling and cognitive and nutrition questionnaires, the consequences of SERE and the
efficacy of protein recovery nutrition on lean mass accretion and Warfighter resilience will
be assessed.

We hypothesize that consuming a specially formulated, high-quality supplemental protein
ration item will speed recovery of lean body mass, physiological, and psychological
resilience following extreme military operational stress.