It consisted of 23.5% protein, 19.5% carbohydrate and 57% fat (mostly
from simple sugars). Calories totalled 1065 correlating to
approximately 4260 Kj of energy.
The problem I see with a meal of this type is the energy gained from
simple sugars. This energy will be readily available and provide
sufficient energy for cognitive and motor functioning in the short term
but the sustained energy release is relatively low. From my experience
with endurance running, high amounts of energy gained from simple sugars
in this way leads to an energy 'crash'. The runner experiences
relatively high levels of energy for a short period of time with a
subsequent raoid drop in energy level - often leading to hyperglycemia.
A meal like that described above may leave a two pilot crew very low in
energy reserves towards the end of a long flight (depending on when the
meal is eaten). This is the most critical phase of flight where an
energy 'crash' could result in poor crew performance.
Any comments or observations?
Mark Pitt