Nutrition knowledge and supplement use among elite U.S. army soldiers.

Abstract : A U.S. Army Special Forces (SF) unit was studied to determine the characteristics of those who were dietary supplement users, assess their nutrition knowledge, and identify the nutrition information sources they use. SF-qualified (n=119) and non-SF, support soldiers (n=38) participated in the study. Results show that most soldiers (87%) reported current supplement use with more SF (90%) than non-SF, support soldiers (76%) using supplements (p multivitamins, sports bars or sports drinks, and vitamin C. The mean nutrition knowledge score for all soldiers was 48.5 +/- 15.2% correct responses. Most soldiers incorrectly believe that protein is used for short-term athletic events (64%) and that vitamins provide energy (58%). The most common information sources reportedly used were popular magazines and books (75%), friends and team mates (55%), physicians and nurses (34%), radio and television (34%), and the internet (31%)