Patterns and Perceptions of Supplement Use by U.S. Marines Deployed to Afghanistan

ABSTRACTDietary supplements are implicated in an increasing number of minor and serious adverse events, including death. A series of adverse events in deployed Marines using multiple supplements prompted medical officers to investigate the prevalence of supplement use among Marines stationed on Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. The investigators developed a survey to identify the types of supplements used, patterns of supplement use, reasons for taking supplements, perceived benefits from using supplements, and self-reported adverse effects. Marines were invited to complete an anonymous 17-question survey while visiting recreational and athletic facilities. A total of 329 active duty Marines completed the survey. The prevalence of supplement use was 72% for males and 42% for females (p = 0.009). Of the 12% of Marines reporting side effects, 79% were taking multiple supplements and 89% were using stimulants. Deployment was significantly associated with new supplement use (p < 0.001). Of users, 81% noted an im...