Leeds Metropolitan University

Everest West Ridge 2006

Energy for Everest

Researchers at the Cadbury Schweppes Global Science Centre have developed two pioneering, nutritionally balanced cereal bars to support the British Army as they attempt to be the first British mountaineers to scale Everest via the notorious West Ridge. Created in partnership with the Carnegie Research Institute at Leeds Metropolitan University, the nutrition bars are designed to provide mountaineers with the essential energy and nutrients they need to survive in such extreme conditions. The packaging can also be unwrapped with gloved hands, so the bars can be easily consumed when the soldiers need fast, energy dense, nutrition.

The first nutrition bar is made to be eaten at high altitude, up to 8000m above sea level, when external temperatures could drop to as low as - 40°C. The Cadbury Schweppes nutrition bar delivers glucose rapidly into the bloodstream to restore energy levels quickly - vital when undertaking a physical challenge of this scale. The nutrition bar is small to aid rapid consumption and also contains refined carbohydrates, added vitamins, and protein, which is essential for aiding tissue repair and muscle development as the mountaineers scale the heights of the West Ridge. Professor Rod King of the Carnegie Research Institute comments: "It is essential that the bars provide a specific balance of carbohydrate, fat and protein to ensure efficient and effective use of these macronutrients during active climbing."

The second nutrition bar is designed to be eaten at the team's base camp during rest periods. It releases glucose into the blood stream over a longer period of time, thereby providing sustainable energy to help restore depleted energy levels. The nutrition bar contains more fat, protein and fibre than the first, to slow digestion and increase the feeling of satiation. This is the larger of the two nutrition bars, so providing a greater number of calories.

Taste is a priority for Cadbury Schweppes, so creating an appetising bar was a key consideration for the researchers to encourage mountaineers to eat regularly and replenish lost energy. Nutrition expert Louise Sutton, of Leeds Metropolitan University, explains: "If members of the team do not enjoy the food they eat, then they are more likely to eat less, and as a result, become weak and under-perform. This can then have knock-on effects on team morale and the success of the expedition."

The expedition is set to depart in March 2006, and members of the team have already trialled the new bars in preparation for the record-breaking attempt. Warrant Officer Dave Bunting, who will lead the expedition, comments: "The success of Everest West Ridge 2006 will be down to detailed planning, immense mental strength and the highest level of physical performance. That physical performance will be minimal without the very best nutritional support on the mountain, and that will be supplied by Cadbury Schweppes."

The dedicated Science and Technology team at Cadbury Schweppes has enjoyed responding to this tough challenge. Kerry Phillips, Project Manager at Cadbury Schweppes, worked directly on the formulation of the bars and comments: "To create nutrition bars for such an ambitious expedition was an interesting challenge for us as a company. Based on nutritional competence supported by scientific analysis, we have developed two bars to deliver the energy and nutrients that are needed for such a physical challenge. We are excited to be involved in this great British record-breaking attempt and hope our bars will contribute to their success in conquering Everest."

PHYSIOLOGY

Project Brief

Inspiratory Muscle Training

The Altitude Centre

NUTRITION

Nutrition & Metabolism

Energy for Everest

PSYCHOLOGY

Exploring Resilience

EQUIPMENT

Leeds Met Visiting Team Equipment List

ALSO AT LEEDS MET

Carnegie Faculty of Sport & Education