Dietary supplement education for the military: An education module for healthcare providers

Abstract

There is a high prevalence in the use of dietary supplements (DS) to promote health, boost energy, and enhance performance in the military. With the ease of acquiring DS, even in austere environments, and the lack of credible information on appropriate use, individuals may be at significant risk for adverse events. Thus, it is imperative to prepare healthcare providers on how to address DS use during patient encounters. To help address this problem, an interactive web‐based education module on DS for military healthcare providers was developed using the well‐established platform from the Nutrition in Medicine project at the University of North Carolina. The module, located at www.nutritioninmedicine.net/neppphp/champ.php, provides excellent training on how to: evaluate and communicate evidence‐based DS literature, obtain DS history, and appropriately report adverse events. It also contains downloadable summaries, interactive exercises, and a final exam. An evaluation feature is included and continuing education credits may be earned. The module helps bridge the training gap and provides adequate information to prepare military healthcare providers to address DS‐related issues in their daily practice. Funding: The module was supported by the Consortium for Health and Military Performance and Human Performance Resource Center, Uniformed Services University; and the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.