Dietary supplement use is common among military personnel, often surpassing usage rates in civilian populations. Soldiers rely on supplements for various reasons, including performance enhancement, muscle growth, endurance, weight management and general health. However, multiple studies have raised concerns about the safety, effectiveness and regulation of these products. While some supplements may offer benefits when used appropriately, others are associated with adverse effects, misleading claims, and contamination with banned substances.
Despite the high prevalence of supplement use, many military personnel lack knowledge about supplement safety and regulation. Studies show that a large percentage of soldiers mistakenly believe dietary supplements are strictly regulated and assume they are safer than they actually are. In reality, many supplements are poorly tested, contain unverified claims, and lack independent certification.
As ever, please talk to your doctor or medical practitioner most familiar with your medical history before implementing any changes in diet, exercise or lifestyle, especially if you are under treatment. Military personnel should seek guidance from their Directing Staff or training team. We also welcome any feedback to improve the article. Links to relevant studies at bottom of page.
Prevalence and Types of Supplements Used
Across different military forces - including the US, UK and Australian armies - studies report that 38% to over 80% of personnel use dietary supplements regularly. Usage rates vary depending on training status, rank, operational demands, and physical goals. For instance, supplement use tends to be higher among soldiers in special operations units, those engaged in intense training regimens and those seeking to meet strict body composition standards.
The most frequently consumed supplements include:
Protein powders and amino acids – Used by up to 55% of personnel for muscle maintenance, recovery and performance.
Multivitamins and minerals – Taken by 30-40% of military personnel to support general health.
Sports drinks and carbohydrate-electrolyte beverages – Used by nearly 50% of some groups, particularly during long training sessions.
Creatine and pre-workout supplements – Consumed by 15-30% of soldiers, with the goal of enhancing strength and endurance.
Weight-loss and “fat-burning” supplements – Used by a smaller but concerning percentage, as these products often contain stimulants with higher health risks.
Studies have also reported the use of anabolic steroids, growth hormones, amphetamines, and other performance-enhancing drugs among a small percentage of soldiers. While these substances are banned and considered illegal in most military forces, their presence highlights the pressure some personnel feel to enhance their physical capabilities.
A Recent Study
A review of 16 controlled trials (Harlow et al. 2024) examined dietary supplementation’s effects on physical performance and recovery in warfighters. The findings indicate that some supplements - particularly when addressing dietary deficiencies - may provide modest benefits, though evidence is inconsistent.
Protein & Carbohydrates: Improved performance and reduced inflammation, especially when dietary intake was insufficient. Post-exercise protein intake supported muscle protein synthesis and recovery, while carbohydrate supplementation maintained glycogen stores and supported endurance.
Creatine & Beta-Alanine: Beta-alanine enhanced performance and reduced inflammation markers. When combined with creatine, it improved high-intensity strength and endurance, likely by increasing phosphocreatine availability and buffering muscle acidosis. However, creatine alone showed mixed results, with dosing (3–5 g/day or a 0.3 g/kg/day loading phase) influencing efficacy.
Beetroot Juice (Dietary Nitrate): Improved endurance and heart rate recovery, likely through nitric oxide production, enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery. To naturally boost nitric oxide (NO) production, focus on nitrate-rich vegetables like spinach, beets, and arugula, which convert into NO in the body. Foods high such as watermelon, nuts, seeds, and lean meats, further support NO synthesis. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, garlic, and dark chocolate help protect NO from breakdown, while healthy fats like olive oil enhance its bioavailability. Regular exercise, hydration and sun exposure also play key roles in maintaining optimal nitric oxide levels for better blood flow and heart health.
Probiotics (Bacillus coagulans): Showed potential for muscle integrity and reduced inflammation, possibly by enhancing gut health and immune function. Probiotics and fermented foods aid exercise recovery by enhancing protein absorption, reducing muscle damage, and supporting gut health. Foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables boost endurance, reduce fatigue and strengthen immunity, accelerating post-exercise recovery.
Oregano Extract: Reduced muscle damage markers (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase), suggesting potential anti-inflammatory benefits. All common household herbs and spices - in culinary doses - are excellent sources of anti-oxidant polyphenols that can support performance and recovery.
Resveratrol & Quercetin: Showed no performance or recovery benefits in warfighters, despite potential antioxidant properties.
Most of the studies studies were lab-based, lacked dietary controls and did not assess real-world deployment conditions. The study's conclusion:
"Nutrition supplementation may have small benefits on muscle performance and recovery in warfighters. However, there are significant limitations in interpretation due to the largely inconsistent evidence of ingredients and comparable outcomes. Thus, there is inadequate practical evidence to suggest how dietary supplementation may affect field performance."
Contamination, Mislabeling and Banned Substances
One major concern with supplements is mislabeling and contamination. Unlike prescription drugs, they do not require pre-market approval in many countries, including the US, UK, and Australia. This means some products may contain incorrect dosages, undisclosed stimulants, or banned substances.
Studies on supplements used by US military personnel found prohibited substances like ephedrine, DMHA, and other unapproved stimulants, which can increase heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety and cardiovascular risks. Research in Australia also found some products contained anabolic steroids, posing legal and health risks.
Even accurately labeled supplements can be problematic. Many pre-workouts and muscle-building formulas contain multiple stimulants that may interact unpredictably, especially with other medications. The lack of independent testing increases the risk of consuming harmful ingredients, potentially leading to failed drug tests, medical emergencies, or long-term health issues.
Adverse Effects of Supplements in Military Populations
A consistent finding across multiple studies is the high rate of adverse effects reported by supplement users. Between 16% and 20% of personnel who regularly take supplements report experiencing at least one negative side effect. The most common symptoms include:
Heart palpitations and increased heart rate (reported by 10-20% of users).
Tingling sensations or numbness in the face, arms, or legs.
Tremors or shaking, often linked to stimulant use.
Dizziness, confusion, and sleep disturbances.
Gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
More severe reactions, such as seizures, kidney damage, and liver toxicity, have also been documented, particularly among those using high-risk weight-loss or muscle-building supplements. Notably, the risk of adverse effects increases with the number of supplements consumed - soldiers who take five or more supplements per week are significantly more likely to experience negative health outcomes.
3rd Party Testing
Recognised third-party testing organisations verify supplements for safety, accuracy, and banned substances, protecting military personnel and athletes. NSF Certified for Sport is widely trusted and required for US Department of Defense approval. Informed-Sport and Informed-Choice ensure products meet anti-doping standards, while BSCG tests for performance-enhancing drugs.
For general safety, USP and ConsumerLab.com assess ingredient purity but do not check for banned substances. Choosing certified supplements reduces health risks and the chance of failed drug tests, ensuring compliance with military policies. Given frequent supplement mislabeling, third-party testing is essential for safe and reliable use.
Final Thoughts
Military personnel use dietary supplements at significantly higher rates than civilians, often for performance, endurance, and weight control goals. Consequently, they are at higher than normal risk of consuming mislabeled or contaminated with banned substances, increasing the risk of health complications and failed drug tests.
The most commonly used supplements include protein powders, amino acids, multivitamins and pre-workouts. Weight-loss and muscle-building products pose the highest risks.
Many supplements are mislabeled or contaminated with banned substances, increasing the risk of health complications and failed drug tests.
Adverse effects are common, with heart palpitations, nausea, dizziness, and neurological symptoms frequently reported, especially among those using multiple products.
Soldiers who take five or more supplements per week are significantly more likely to experience negative health effects.
Education on supplement safety is lacking, with many service members unaware of the limited regulatory oversight of the products they consume.
Given the risks associated with supplement use in the military, improved education, stricter policies and greater awareness are crucial. Both individuals and military policies should emphasise third-party tested products and a food-first approach to nutrition, while ensuring personnel receive trusted guidance from health professionals. In an environment where many do supplement, a sensible supplement stack might include a tested/certified protein powder, a multivitamin, an omega-3 supplement and creatine.
While supplements can support training and recovery, soldiers should prioritise evidence-based nutrition strategies that prioritise whole foods. For more informations, see Diet and Nutrition for Special Forces, Parachute Regiment, Ranger and Commando Selection.
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Studies and Resources
McClung JP, Charlot K, Rowland D, Fallowfield JL, Malgoyre A, Pravst I. Dietary supplement use among military personnel: international patterns and motivations for use. BMJ Mil Health. 2024 Jun 6:e002693. doi: 10.1136/military-2024-002693. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38844376.
Knapik JJ, Trone DW, Steelman RA, Farina EK, Lieberman HR. Adverse Effects Associated with Multiple Categories of Dietary Supplements: The Military Dietary Supplement Use Study. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2022 Oct;122(10):1851-1863. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2022.01.014. Epub 2022 Feb 2. PMID: 35123127.
Bukhari AS, DiChiara AJ, Merrill EP, Wright AO, Cole RE, Hatch-McChesney A, McGraw SM, Caldwell JA, Montain SJ, Thompson LA, Lieberman HR. Dietary Supplement Use in US Army Personnel: A Mixed-Methods, Survey and Focus-Group Study Examining Decision Making and Factors Associated With Use. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2021 Jun;121(6):1049-1063. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2021.01.011. Epub 2021 Feb 27. PMID: 33653678.
Pomeroy DE, Tooley KL, Probert B, Wilson A, Kemps E. A Systematic Review of the Effect of Dietary Supplements on Cognitive Performance in Healthy Young Adults and Military Personnel. Nutrients. 2020 Feb 20;12(2):545. doi: 10.3390/nu12020545. PMID: 32093203; PMCID: PMC7071459.
Baker B, Probert B, Pomeroy D, Carins J, Tooley K. Prevalence and Predictors of Dietary and Nutritional Supplement Use in the Australian Army: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Nutrients. 2019 Jun 27;11(7):1462. doi: 10.3390/nu11071462. PMID: 31252600; PMCID: PMC6682915.
Charina Kullen, Tania Prvan, Helen O’Connor, Dietary Supplement Use in Australian Army Personnel, Military Medicine, Volume 184, Issue 5-6, May-June 2019, Pages e290–e297, https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usy266
Casey A, Hughes J, Izard RM, Greeves JP. Supplement use by UK-based British Army soldiers in training. Br J Nutr. 2014 Oct 14;112(7):1175-84. doi: 10.1017/S0007114514001597. Epub 2014 Aug 14. PMID: 25119518; PMCID: PMC4189117.
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