An Examination of Supplement Use in Volunteer Firefighters

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Firefighter personnel are trained to respond to emergencies and are essential to community safety. Though dietary supplementation use can improve overall health and performance, limited information exists on supplement use among firefighters. Understanding supplement use may aid in health and physical performance. PURPOSE: To explore supplement use in volunteer firefighters. METHODS: A national sample of 363 volunteer firefighters (aged 18-77, 38.1 ± 12.5 years, 79.3% male, 95% Caucasian) in a wellness program were surveyed on their frequency and reasons for supplement use over the past six months. Questions asked about supplements such as multivitamins/minerals, individual vitamins (e.g. Vitamin C, Vitamin D), individual minerals (calcium, iron), performance enhancers (glutamine, CoQ10), sports bars/gels, and energy drinks. Stata version 15 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of those reporting supplement use, 78 reported using only one supplement, while 277 reported using multiple supplements. Performance enhancers were used by 31 participants (8.5%) at least twice a week; reasons for consumption included increased physical performance, improved overall health, and to prevent health problems. Multivitamin/mineral supplements were consumed by 132 firefighters (36.4%) at least twice a week; reasons for consumption included improved overall health, prevent health problems, and increase heart health (cholesterol/blood pressure). Sports bars/gels were used by 86 firefighters (23.7%) at least twice a week; reasons for sports included increased physical performance, improved overall health, and to lose weight. Energy drinks were consumed by 124 firefighters (34.2%) at least twice a week; reasons for consumption included increased physical performance, cognitive function, and relaxation/stress/mental health. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, most firefighters who reported supplement use did so for improvements in overall health and to prevent health problems. Interestingly, firefighters in this study reported higher overall supplement usage than other tactical athlete populations (i.e, military personnel: 55-61%). Future investigations should examine the usage and effectiveness of performance enhancing supplements on health and occupational performance in firefighters.