In this issue:

• Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
• Research
• Vitamin and Mineral Requirements
• Food Portions

Background

This report, the ninth in a series, reviews activities related to the Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC) project on wildland firefighter health and safety. The project focuses on three main areas:

Work, rest, and fatigue: Determine work/rest guidelines, assignment length, and fatigue countermeasures for crews and overhead.

Energy and nutrition: Improve energy intake, nutrition, immune function, and the health of wildland firefighters.

Fitness and work capacity: Use work capacity and medical standards to ensure the health, safety, and productivity of wildland firefighters.

Micronutrients

Previous editions of this report have considered the macronutrient needs of wildland firefighters—the energy supplied by carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This edition focuses on micronutrients, the vitamins and minerals required to sustain health and perform prolonged arduous work. The featured topic summarizes the recommendations of authoritative organizations on vitamin and mineral supplements, reviews studies of individuals involved in prolonged work (such as soldiers and ultraendurance athletes), and discusses gaps in current knowledge. The research section summarizes field studies conducted during the 2004 fire season on cognitive function, hydration, core temperature, and electrolytes. An overview of vitamin and mineral needs is provided in the Risk Management section, and the Field Notes section illustrates how to meet vitamin and mineral requirements during the fire season.

See the new Pyramid at http://www.mypyramid.gov
and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005.