Army study seeks volunteers to eat nothing but MREs for three weeks

NATICK , Mass., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army is seeking volunteers to eat its food, specifically a 21-day regimen of nothing but its military rations.

The U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine in Natick, Mass., has put out a call for help in studying the effects of consuming what is called MREs, or meals ready to eat, the bagged and vacuum-packed food eaten in the field by Army personnel.

It seeks information on "gut health," how bacteria in soldiers' digestive systems can be better served by improved MREs. Research will be used to improve the nutritional properties of the food.

About 60 participants in the study will be asked to live on nothing but MREs, water and black coffee for three weeks, and to be available at the research facility for regular blood draws and other medical procedures. It entails six weeks of participation, and will pay $200 to each candidate.

Eligible participants must be 18 to 62 years old, have no history of gastrointestinal problems and must not be attempting to lose weight. Additional information about the study is available on the Army's website.