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CNN Live Today

Military May Introduce Food Patch

Aired May 13, 2002 - 14:38   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: We have all heard of the nicotine patch. That's the same idea that's helping smokers kick the habit that may someday also help soldiers stay healthy and energized. A new idea and CTV's Jennifer Trion (ph) introduces us to the food patch.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JENNIFER TRION, CTV REPORTER: Training for the battlefield is exhausting work. It's even more demanding in real battle under extreme conditions.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A few hours after supper we're already hungry again. So we do spend a lot of energy.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Prepare for lunch.

TRION: You've heard of people inhaling their food. Soon they could be absorbing it, literally. Jerry Darsch had an idea for a so- called snack patch. He brought it to Washington. Now the U.S. military is developing it so soldiers can get all of the vitamins and nutrients they need without having to eat them.

GERALD DARSCH, JOINT PROJECT DIRECTOR, COMBAT FEEDING PROGRAM: It's not meant to replace a turkey dinner with a mashed potato. What it's meant to do is be sure that that war fighter can return to that turkey and mashed potato safely and in good health.

TRION: Here's how it works. The patch has concentrated nutrients that boost energy, prevent dehydration and enhance memory. It's worn by the soldier during combat and release a potion of all natural pep that's absorbed into the bloodstream. It may not be as satisfying as chowing down, but it could make you sharper.

DARSCH: If you a war fighter, you're placed in harm's way. And some sort of a micronutrient delivered transdermally makes you react a micro-second sooner, or makes you cognitively more capable, then clearly you stand a good chance of coming out of harm's way very safely.

TRION (on camera): The hope is to take the military concept and turn it into a medical device. People with diabetes may one day be able to receive their insulin injections through a patch on their skin.

(voice-over): Smokers use patches to wean off nicotine. Even dieters are turning to patches to peel off the pounds.

The maker of this chocolate patch, meant to cut the cravings for the sweet stuff, has developed something similar for salt addicts.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It sends a message to the brain to say, "I'm full. I've had enough of that flavor and I don't want any more of it."

TRION: The new diet patches are coming to Canada soon. And the U.S. military wants Canadian troops to invest in the combat patch. Whether you wear it for war or weight loss, the patch keeps meals at arm's length. Jennifer Trion, CTV News, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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