Nutrition

[Roshi (DayZ) 397]

Would be good to model food based on simple stuff like calories and protein content.

 

That way you could address how much energy you burn (calories) as well as nitrogen balance (protein). 

 

As survivors run around the world, they are burning a lot more fuel than your average sedentary computer-jockey. Therefore caloric intake needs to be increased. If you are suffering from infection, calorie use also increases (despite reduced appetite). Also, when you have an injury, you start using up amino acids at a faster rate, leading to negative nitrogen balance unless you increase the protein intake.

 

With hunting, a lot of game animals are very lean - ie high protein content by less calories from fats and carbohydrates - so hunted meat would be high in protein and low in carbs (generally). Converting protein to glucose (via gluconeogenesis) is an inefficient process. 

 

Would be great to see undernourished survivors moving slower, having visual disturbances (low glucose), healing more slowly or even looking skinnier/more gaunt. 

 

Add a bit more "Player vs physiology" to the classic PvE and PvP elements!

 

PS vitamins should do nothing unless you are malnourished - in IRL all they do if you are eating well is increase your cardiac risk by the same amount as passive smoking!