The Minnesota Starvation Experiment and How It can Affect Your Storage

During World War II, 36 volunteer conscientious objectors participated in a starvation study conducted at the University of Minnesota.  The study consisted of three phases.  It was designed to mimic the effect that starvation would have on the European populations and determine the best ways to help them recover.

The first phase lasted 12 weeks.  This was a control phase in which the participants were studied and their average daily calorie intake was determined.  The volunteers average intake was 3200 calories. Keep in mind that these were all young healthy men of military age. They were required to walk 22 miles a week.

The second phase was the starvation phase.  This lasted for 24 weeks.  The men continued their normal exercise routine of walking 22 miles a week while their calorie intake was limited.  The goal was to make each men lose 25% or more of their original body weights.  Each mans diet was figured separately and caloric intake varied averaging about 1500 calories a day.  Some were as low as 1200 and some near 1800 calories a day.

They were feed two meals a day, one in the morning the other in the evening.  The meals consisted of foods that were available to the people in Europe during the latter stages of the war.  This included potatoes, rutabagas, turnips, dark bread and macaroni and lots of starches.  This is similar to what I see many people storing for long-term storage. A diet that is low in protein.

During this period, the men were so fixed on how hungry they were that all they thought about was food.  They lost all desire for anything that didn’t involve food, even sex.

The men reported decreased tolerance for cold temperatures, and needed additional blankets even in the middle of summer.  They experienced dizziness, extreme tiredness, muscle soreness, hair loss, reduced coordination, and ringing in their ears.  While they were allowed to attend university classes, several were forced to quit, due to the inability to concentrate.

Four volunteers were unable to finish the experiment for various reasons.  Two of them stole food, including things like raiding the garbage and eating raw rutabagas.

The third phase was the recovery phase during which the researchers would try to get the men back to their original weights.  This lasted for twelve weeks, as well.  The men were divided into groups that were given different amounts of calories.  Some groups were given 400 additional calories a day, while others were given 1,200 more. During the recovery stage, the men still felt like they were starving.

After the experiment was complete and they could eat what they wanted, many men ate as many as 10,000 calories a day.  The men all gained their weight back and most gained at least 10% more.

As you are working on your long-term storage, give some thought to the results of this study.  I have spoken with many people who consider 1500 calories a day as adequate.  Based on this study you many want to reconsider this.  If you are a healthy young male working hard, you better be thinking in terms of 3000 calories a day or more.

Since most Americans lead a more sedentary life, most of us are going to need more food that we currently consume or you will be running your own starvation experiment.

Howard

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