Soldier use of dietary supplements, including protein and body building supplements, in a combat zone is different than use in garrison

Krista G Austin,Harris R Lieberman,Tom M Mclellan,Susan M Mcgraw,Emily K Farina

doi:10.1139/apnm-2015-0387

Abstract

United States Army personnel in garrison who are not deployed to combat theater report using dietary supplements (DSs) to promote health, increase physical and mental strength, and improve energy levels. Given the substantial physical and cognitive demands of combat, DS use may increase during deployment. This study compared DS use by garrison soldiers with DS use by personnel deployed to a combat theater in Afghanistan. Prevalence and patterns of DS use, demographic factors, and health behaviors were assessed by survey (deployed n = 221; garrison n = 1001). Eighty-two percent of deployed and 74% of garrison soldiers used DSs ≥ 1 time·week(-1). Logistic regression analyses, adjusted for significant demographic and health predictors of DS use, showed deployed personnel were more likely than garrison soldiers to use protein, amino acids, and combination products. Deployed females were more likely to use protein supplements and deployed males were more likely to use multivitamins, combination products, protein, and body building supplements than garrison respondents. Significantly more deployed (17%) than garrison (10%) personnel spent more than $50∙month(-1) on DSs. Higher protein supplement use among deployed personnel was associated with higher frequency of strength training and lower amounts of aerobic exercise for males but similar amounts of strength training and aerobic exercise for females. Protein supplements and combination products are used more frequently by deployed than garrison soldiers with the intent of enhancing strength and energy.

Highlights

Dietary supplement (DS) use is common among adults (Radimer et al 2004) and global consumer demand for dietary supplements (DSs) was estimated to exceed $30 billion in 2011 (Anonymous 2012).Healthy civilian adults who consume DSs are typically more active, better educated and nonsmokers (Lyle et al 1998; Radimer et al 2004)
Use of any DS was more likely in garrison respondents who were assigned to combat arms when compared to combat service support personnel, had a BMI of 25-29.9 kg/m2 when compared to those with a BMI less than 25, were officers rather than those in the junior enlisted ranks or were desiring to gain weight versus those wanting to maintain body weight
Participating in more aerobic exercise and strength training were significantly associated with DS use by garrison personnel

Summary

Introduction

Dietary supplement (DS) use is common among adults (Radimer et al 2004) and global consumer demand for DS was estimated to exceed $30 billion in 2011 (Anonymous 2012).Healthy civilian adults who consume DSs are typically more active, better educated and nonsmokers (Lyle et al 1998; Radimer et al 2004). Surveys of active duty Army personnel in garrison who are not deployed to combat theater reveal a greater prevalence of DS use and increased use of performance enhancing DSs, such as protein and amino acid supplements, compared to the U.S civilian population (Radimer et al 2004; Lieberman et al 2010; Knapik et al 2014). The nature and availability of food differs in combat theaters compared to more permanent facilities. Together, these factors may increase the extent of soldiers using DSs when deployed

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Discussion

Conclusion