Nutritional, Dietary Analyses and Hydration Assessment

Optimising nutrition and hydration strategies enhances training and work performance. Optimal Performance Limited (OPL) has worked with the British Army to assess the nutritional requirements of the Section Commanders Battle Course where energy expenditures were extremely high. We have also measured the nutrient provision on Officer Cadet training courses in the UAE, providing recommendations to improve health and optimise physical fitness and body composition.

OPL has reviewed the scientific literature to establish the best hydration strategies for Emergency Service personnel during CBRN deployments. We subsequently conducted a series of trials to establish hydration guidelines for different environmental conditions and personal protective equipment for the Police, Fire and Rescue and Ambulance services. OPL has assessed the hydration status of UAE military personnel and provided educational material to promote fluid intake while training.

Our capabilities in this area include:

  • Weighed dietary analysis and calculation of micro/macro nutrient content using computer software (see technical expertise page)
  • Measurement of hydration status through urine colour and osmolality (see technical expertise page)
    Comparison to international reference values
  • Implementation of optimum eating and hydration guidelines.

Example Nutrition Dietary Analyses and Hydration Assessment projects:

Brown P, McLellan T, Linnane D, Wilkinson D, Richmond V, Horner F, Blacker S, Rayson M. (2010) Emergency Service Personnel CBRN PPE Hydration Guidelines . Optimal Performance Ltd., Bristol, UK, 19 February 2010

Wilkinson DM, Richmond VL, Horner FE, Blacker SD, Rayson MP. (2009) A Re-Evaluation of Health and Nutrition at the Military High School. Optimal Performance Ltd., Bristol, UK, 8 May 2009

Wilkinson DM, Rayson MP, McLellan T, Parsons K. (2009) Hydration Strategies: Review of Best Practice and Comparison with Emergency Service Procedures during CBRN Deployment. Optimal Performance Ltd., Bristol, UK, 12 February 2009

Richmond VL, Horner FE, Wilkinson DM, Rayson MP, Wright A, Cook AC, Izard R. (2009) Energy balance and physical demands during the Section Commanders Battle Course. Optimal Performance Ltd., Bristol, UK, 2 March 2009

Rayson MP, Wilkinson DM, Carter JM, Richmond VL, Williams T, Gemmel I. (2007) Health and Nutrition at the Al Ain Military High School. Optimal Performance Ltd., Bristol, UK, 13 April 2007