Use of dietary supplements containing 1,3 dimethylamylamine by military personnel

Abstract

Dietary supplement (DS) manufacturers have incorporated sympathomimetic ingredients, including 1,3 dimethylamylamine (DMAA), into body building and weight‐loss DS products. Bodybuilding DS are consumed by approximately 21% of military personnel and 18% report using weight‐loss DS. Recently, concerns regarding the safety of DMAA products have been raised. Therefore, we examined the prevalence of DMAA DS use in this population. Surveys (N=1642) regarding DS use over the past 6 months were collected from a convenience sample of Air Force (n =1159) and Army (n=483) personnel. Air Force personnel were surveyed in multiple locations throughout the US and abroad; Army personnel were surveyed in Kuwait and Afghanistan. Twenty‐two percent of survey respondents [Air Force = 23%; Army = 18%] used a DS containing DMAA. Frequency of DMAA DS use was: > 1×/month 6% [Airforce = 7% ; Army = 5%]; > 1×/week 10% [Air Force = 11% ; Army = 9%]; daily 5% [Air Force = 5% ; Army = 4%]. Given the popularity of DMAA DS in military and perhaps civilian populations, research examining the pathophysiologic effects of DMAA and possible adverse health effects related to its consumption is essential.(Support: US Army Medical Research & Materiel Command, Department of Defense Center Alliance for Dietary Supplement Research)