Uncovering the World of Dietary Supplements and Performance-Enhancing Substances in the Military.

Abstract

This article highlights key topic areas related to dietary supplements (DSs) and performance-enhancing substances. It also discusses evidence-based resources the medical community can use when discussing high-quality DSs with Servicemembers interested in taking DSs. We briefly overview how DSs are regulated in the United States, discuss problematic categories and issues related to quality, expand upon what are often considered performance-enhancing substances yet sometimes sold as DSs, and then offer solutions to counter the consequences of the dark side of the DS industry. Solutions include third-party certification and intentional education and resources, as military health care providers and medics need to know where to go for evidence-based information, per the Department of Defense Instruction 6130.06 - Use of Dietary Supplements in the DoD (DoDI 6130.06), which set policy and guidelines for Servicemembers in 2022. Finally, Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS) resources and tools are discussed.