Self-reported dietary supplement use in deployed United States service members pre-deployment <italic style="font-style: italic">vs</italic>. during deployment, Afghanistan, 2013–2014

Shawn M. Varney; Patrick C. Ng; Crystal A. Perez; Allyson A. Araña; Edwin R. Austin; Rosemarie G. Ramos; Vikhyat S. Bebarta

doi:10.1186/s40779-017-0141-6

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Self-reported dietary supplement use in deployed United States service members pre-deployment vs. during deployment, Afghanistan, 2013–2014

RESEARCH | Updated：2026-03-12

- Self-reported dietary supplement use in deployed United States service members pre-deployment vs. during deployment, Afghanistan, 2013–2014
- Military Medical Research Vol. 5, Issue 3, Pages: 207-215(2018)
- Affiliations：
  
  1.University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7709 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
  2.San Antonio Military Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
  3.Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA
  4.U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, USAF En Route Care Research Center, 3698 Chambers Pass STE B, JBSA Ft Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
  5.Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Author bio：
  
  *: patrickcng1@gmail.com
- Funds：
- DOI：10.1186/s40779-017-0141-6
  CLC：
- Published：2018-09
- Accepted：
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Varney et al.: Self-reported dietary supplement use in deployed United States service members pre-deployment vs. during deployment, Afghanistan, 2013–2014. Mil Med Res, 2017, 4: 34
DOI：

Varney et al.: Self-reported dietary supplement use in deployed United States service members pre-deployment vs. during deployment, Afghanistan, 2013–2014. Mil Med Res, 2017, 4: 34 DOI： 10.1186/s40779-017-0141-6.

摘要

Abstract

Background:

Dietary supplement use (protein/amino acids

weight-loss supplements

performance enhancers) is common among U.S. military members. Reported dietary supplement use in deployed troops is limited and is of concern in settings where troops are exposed to high ambient temperatures

increased physical demands

and dehydration. Our objective was to describe dietary supplement use and adverse events (AEs) among deployed U.S. service members compared with their pre-deployment use.

Methods:

We conducted an institutional review board (IRB) approved

descriptive study in Afghanistan using a written questionnaire and collected demographic information

dietary supplement use before and during deployment

AEs associated with supplement use

and physical workout routines. Participants were U.S. military personnel of all branches of service deployed to Afghanistan. They were recruited in high-traffic areas in the combat theater. We analyzed the data with descriptive statistics. Paired t-test/Wilcoxon signed-rank test was conducted to examine the before/during deployment changes for continuous data

and McNemar’s chi-square test was conducted for categorical data. We constructed separate logistic regression models to determine the best predictors of increases or decreases in dietary supplement use

with demographic information

reasons for using supplements

and education requested/received as covariates in each model. All statistical tests were two-sided at a significance level of 5% (

0.05).

Results:

Data were collected on 1685 participants. Ninety-seven of the participants were in the Army or Air Force. The participants were more likely to work out daily or more than once a day during deployment. Thirty-five percent of the participants reported no supplement use before or during deployment. The remaining 65% of participants reported increased use and increased frequency of use of supplements (e.g.

daily) during deployment compared with pre-deployment. Additionally

more people followed label instructions strictly during deployment vs. predeployment. Overall

the frequency of self-reported AEs among supplement users remained consistent before and during deployment. The only significant difference noted was in problems falling or staying asleep

which increased during deployment. In the adjusted logistic regression models

the level of formal education

military branch

occupational specialty

education about dietary supplements

and certain reasons for using supplements (to boost energy

lose weight

gain muscle strength and mass

and as a meal replacement) were significant predictors of changes in supplement use.

Conclusion:

Deployed U.S. service members were more likely to use dietary supplements

use more than one supplement and use supplements more frequently during deployment than pre-deployment. No serious AEs were reported

but problems falling or staying asleep increased during deployment.

关键词

Keywords

references

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Self-reported dietary supplement use in deployed United States service members pre-deployment vs. during deployment, Afghanistan, 2013–2014

DOI：10.1186/s40779-017-0141-6

摘要

Abstract

关键词

Keywords

references