Confidence in the efficacy and safety of dietary supplements among United States active duty army personnel.

ABSTRACT:

Background

United States Army Soldiers regularly use dietary supplements (DS) to promote general health, enhance muscle strength, and increase energy, but limited scientific evidence supports the use of many DS for these benefits. This study investigated factors associated with Soldiers' confidence in the efficacy and safety of DS, and assessed Soldiers' knowledge of federal DS regulatory requirements.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2007, 990 Soldiers were surveyed at 11 Army bases world-wide to assess their confidence in the effectiveness and safety of DS, knowledge of federal DS regulations, demographic characteristics, lifestyle-behaviors and DS use.

Results

A majority of Soldiers were at least somewhat confident that DS work as advertised (67%) and thought they are safe

SUBMITTER: Carvey CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3598849 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature