JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS,Va. –
Often people turn to dietary supplements as the answer to reaching fitness goals faster.
A dietary supplement is any product, such as pills, capsules, gel-caps, powders, liquids, bars, sprays, gums or gels that are intended to supplement the diet by increasing total dietary intake. Primary reasons for supplement use include muscle building, weight loss and increased energy.
You may want to think twice before taking the latest supplement.
According to a Department of Defense study, more than 20,000 Americans seek emergency treatment every year for allergic reactions or other adverse effects related to supplement use.
"Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and people should always take caution before using them,” said U.S. Air Force Major Scott Black, 633rd Medical Support Squadron dietitian and sports specialist in dietetics.
The FDA does not approve supplements for safety or effectiveness and some dietary supplements contain ingredients not even listed on the label. It is critical to take the time to become an informed consumer.
There are many sources with credible information about dietary supplements.
Operation Supplement Safety is a Department of Defense campaign designed to provide information about responsible dietary supplement use. The OPSS website contains several useful tools to help you learn more about dietary supplements.
If service members are wondering if someone has already asked their question, they can check out the OPSS comprehensive frequently asked questions. If they can’t find the answer, they can click the “ask the expert”, to ask the specific question.
If there is any concern if the supplement contains potentially harmful ingredients, there is a high-risk supplement list on the website to search for the supplement by brand name or review dietary supplements alerts and announcements section for the latest supplements info.
Members can also download the free OPSS high-risk supplement list app and have all the information right at their fingertips.
“If you have [additional] questions you can contact your base registered dietitian and they can help you make informed decisions regarding supplement usage," suggests Black.
Dietary supplements are not substitutes for a healthy diet. If members choose to use them, be aware of the potential risks and consequences. For more dietary supplement information, visit http://opss.org/.