American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 20, 684-693, Copyright © 1967 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc.

Metabolic Aspects of Acute Starvation In Normal Humans: Performance and Cardiovascular Evaluation

¹ From U. S. Army Medical Research and Nutrition Laboratory, Fitzsimons General Hospital, Denver, Colorado

Six healthy, normal adult males between the ages of 21 and 52 years fasted for a period of 10 days under conditions where water was available ad libitum.

Basal oxygen uptakes (Vo₂) in milliliters per minute and milliliters per kilogram body weight per minute corrected to standard conditions were significantly decreased during the fasting period. In submaximal work on the treadmill Ve_BTPS and Vo₂ in milliliters per minute and milliliters per kilogram per minute were significantly decreased during the fasting and rehabilitation periods, indicating a training effect.

Maximal oxygen uptakes in milliliters per kilogram per minute were decreased during fasting, but the decrease was not statistically significant. Other maximal work measurements Ve_BTPS, pulse rates and kilogram-meters of work per minute were also reduced in comparison to the control values, indicating a training effect.

Electrocardiograms were significantly abnormal during the fasting phase and are considered to reflect a severe stress. One of the six subjects developed an abnormal electroencephalogram and was immediately removed from the study.

Although physical performance was not significantly impaired during a 10-day starvation period, complete fasting without mineral supplementation is not recommended for troops on combat patrol.