Controlled study on short term calorie restriction as possible nutritional approach to sustain and survive during emergency situations

Many studies indicate that Calorie Restriction (CR) may have role in life span extension and other beneficial metabolic health effects. But the application of CR as a possible strategy for maintaining metabolic homeostasis under emergency situations remains unexplored. Assuming a situation of emergency/natural disasters such as flood, earthquake, thunder storm, other relief operations etc. when affected individuals have to sustain and survive on ready to eat packed food, a study on short term continuous calorie restriction using ready to eat packed food was carried out on 40 participants comprising (20 males and 20 females). Two different restricted calorie intake levels were used 2000 kcal/day for males and 1600 kcal/day for females respectively. The energy expenditure of males and females were 2877 ± 527 and 2427 ± 184 kcal/day respectively. Therefore, calorie restriction of about 30-35% was done. The menu planning was made using commercially available ready to eat products. The nutritional status was assessed by analyzing changes in body composition, biochemical indices before and after calorie restriction. There was no adverse effect of short term calorie restriction except the feeling of hunger in case of few participants. It was concluded that during emergency situations lasting 3-7 days, a diet containing 1600-2000 kcal/day using ready to eat products may be provided during relief operations.