The relationship between nutrition knowledge, dietary habits, human performance, and HDL levels of special forces soldiers

In this study, we examined the relationship between nutrition knowledge, dietary habits, human performance high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) levels of fifty-five U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers. The soldiers completed a Nutrition Knowledge Inventory (NKI), a Dietary Habits Inventory (DHI), a 20-mile road march, a Annual Physical Readiness Test (APRT), and had their blood lipids drawn. The results from the NKI, DHI, 20-mile road march, APRT scores, and HDL-C levels were then correlated. Weak relationships were found between the variables that we measured. The descriptive statistics showed a mean cholesterol of 201 mg/dl and a mean LDL levels of 138 mg/dl which indicates a need for improved dietary habits. Nutrition initiatives should be developed to improve the dietary habits and lifestyle of Special Forces groups. Additional research is needed in focusing in on a nonsmoking group between the ages of 19 to 40 years.