Nutritional Challenges in Military History: An Analysis of Romanian Soldiers’ Diet During World War II

This study provides a historical review of the nutritional challenges faced by Romanian soldiers during World War II, analyzing their daily caloric intake and its implications for physical performance and combat readiness. Based on historical records, the estimated daily caloric intake ranged between 1.240 and 2.160 kcal, significantly below modern military nutrition standards. The research highlights the inadequacy of these rations in meeting the physical and cognitive demands of military service. Furthermore, the heavy reliance on staple foods such as corn and bread, along with limited protein sources, exacerbated malnutrition among soldiers. These findings emphasize the critical role of proper military nutrition in sustaining combat effectiveness and overall health. A comparative analysis with contemporary military dietary standards underscores the advancements in military nutrition and the necessity of providing adequate sustenance for personnel in active service.