JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
More than 20,000 Americans seek emergency treatment every year for reasons related to dietary supplements, like allergic reactions and other adverse effects, according to a Department of Defense study.
Because of this danger, making informed decisions about supplement use can be difficult, and a bad decision could adversely affect a Service member's health and career.
"We understand that no matter how much we promote a healthy well-balanced diet and consistent efforts with physical activity, many [Service members] will still be prone to using supplements," said Tony Arroyo, American College of Sports Medicine exercise physiologist assigned to the 633rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron. "If that's the case, we want to ensure that informed decisions are being made."
According to Arroyo, the 633rd AMDS Health Promotions flight constantly receives questions regarding different supplements, especially when it comes to the safety and effectiveness of particular selections.
"Before taking any dietary supplement, do your homework and be an informed consumer," he said. "[Being educated] can prevent a health scare and could even save your life."
Adverse effects can result from ingredients in dietary supplements themselves or from drug-supplement interactions and can have serious side effects. Among adults, common complaints include chest pain and increased heart rate and are often associated with weight-loss products, energy products, bodybuilding products and sexual-enhancement products.
One way that we could all be informed consumers is by utilizing the Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS) website. Operation Supplement Safety is a joint initiative between the Human Performance Resource Center and DoD to educate service members and retirees, their family members, healthcare providers, and DoD civilians about dietary supplements and how to choose supplements wisely.
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about supplements, info-sheets, videos, and more to keep us more informed. By using this site you will also be able to rate a supplement that you are currently taking or are thinking about purchasing. OPSS will also identify high risk supplements that all warfighters and their families should be aware of. OPSS has sections that I found very helpful such as: Questions from the Field, Dietary Supplements Resources, and Dietary Supplements Classification System.
Bottom line no supplement is regulated by the FDA so we want you and your family to be smart consumers and make informed decisions about supplements.