Military service members use dietary supplements far more often than civilians, with Army supplement use rising from 53% to 76% between 2006 and 2019, according to a 2026 narrative review in Advances in Nutrition. Service members favor potentially risky performance-enhancing and weight-loss supplements more than civilians do, and about 18% experience side effects. Most military users incorrectly believe supplements are heavily regulated by the government, yet continue using them even after experiencing adverse effects.
A comprehensive review of research shows that military service members use dietary supplements at much higher rates than civilians, with usage jumping from 53% to 76% among Army personnel between 2006 and 2019. According to Gram Research analysis, service members tend to use more potentially risky supplements, especially those marketed for muscle building and weight loss. About 18% of military users report experiencing side effects, yet most still believe supplements are safe and effective. The research highlights a critical gap: the U.S. lacks a proper system to track dangerous supplements in the marketplace, and military personnel may need better education about supplement safety and regulation.
Key Statistics
A 2026 narrative review found that dietary supplement use among U.S. Army personnel nearly doubled from 53% in 2006-2007 to 76% in 2018-2019, significantly exceeding civilian supplement use rates.
According to the 2026 review, approximately 18% of military service members using dietary supplements report experiencing adverse effects, with the highest rates occurring among users of combination products and prohormones.
The 2026 narrative review found that 67% of military service members believe dietary supplements are safe and 71% believe they are effective, despite limited government oversight of supplement safety.
A 2026 review in Advances in Nutrition showed that 38% of military supplement users incorrectly believe government regulations ensure supplement safety, indicating a significant knowledge gap about how supplements are actually regulated.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How often military service members use dietary supplements, what types they use, what side effects they experience, and what they believe about supplement safety and government oversight.
- Who participated: The review analyzed multiple studies involving military service members from the U.S. and other countries, comparing their supplement use patterns to civilian populations. No single sample size applies since this is a review of many different studies.
- Key finding: Military service members use dietary supplements much more frequently than civilians (76% of Army personnel in recent years), and they favor potentially risky supplements designed to boost performance and weight loss. About 18% report experiencing side effects, but most still believe supplements are safe.
- What it means for you: If you or a loved one is in the military, understand that supplement use is common but carries real risks. Many service members experience side effects yet continue using supplements because they believe the effects are minor or even signs the product is working. Better education and oversight of supplements could prevent harm.
The Research Details
This is a narrative review, meaning researchers gathered and analyzed published studies on dietary supplement use among military service members. They looked at research examining what supplements military personnel take, why they take them, what side effects occur, and what military members believe about supplement safety and government regulation. The researchers then compared military supplement use patterns to what civilians do and looked at how military members in other countries approach supplements. This type of review helps identify trends and gaps in knowledge rather than testing a specific hypothesis through new experiments.
A narrative review is valuable for understanding a complex topic across many studies and identifying patterns that individual studies might miss. By comparing military members to civilians and examining attitudes alongside actual use, researchers can spot important differences in behavior and beliefs. This approach also helps identify where surveillance systems are failing and where education is needed most.
This review was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other experts evaluated the research before publication. However, as a review of existing studies rather than new research, its strength depends on the quality of the studies it analyzed. The researchers acknowledge that some data (like civilian side effect rates) are simply not available, which limits comparisons. The review is current, published in 2026, and addresses a timely public health concern.
What the Results Show
Military service members use dietary supplements at dramatically higher rates than the general U.S. population. Among Army personnel specifically, supplement use nearly doubled from 53% in 2006-2007 to 76% in 2018-2019. This upward trend suggests supplements have become increasingly normalized in military culture. The most popular supplements among service members are multivitamins and multiminerals, followed by protein powders and amino acids, combination products, and individual vitamins or minerals. Notably, military members use more potentially dangerous supplements than civilians, particularly those marketed to enhance physical performance and promote weight loss. These high-risk products include prohormones and other substances that could cause side effects on their own or interact dangerously with other supplements or medications.
About 18% of military service members who use supplements report experiencing adverse effects or side effects. The highest rates of side effects occur among those using combination products (multiple supplements together) and prohormones. Interestingly, experiencing side effects does not typically stop military members from continuing supplement use. Most service members (67%) believe dietary supplements are safe, and 71% believe they are effective. Perhaps most concerning, 38% of military users believe that government regulations ensure supplement safety, which is not accurate. The review found that military members often lack accurate knowledge about how supplements are regulated and what the government actually tests before products reach the market.
This review builds on earlier research showing supplement use among civilians but reveals that military populations use supplements more frequently and choose riskier products. Previous studies documented general supplement use trends, but this review specifically highlights the military-civilian gap and the types of supplements driving that difference. The research also reveals a critical information gap: detailed data on side effects and attitudes among civilians using potentially dangerous supplements simply do not exist in published research, making it difficult to know whether military members face unique risks or whether civilian users have similar knowledge gaps.
This review cannot establish cause and effect because it analyzes existing studies rather than conducting new research. Some important data are missing entirely, such as detailed information about side effects in civilian populations using high-risk supplements. The review relies on self-reported supplement use and side effects, which may be underestimated or overestimated. Additionally, the U.S. lacks a comprehensive surveillance system for tracking supplement-related injuries, so the true rate of side effects is likely higher than the 18% reported. The review also notes that military culture and access to supplements may differ from civilian settings, so findings may not apply equally to all populations.
The Bottom Line
Military service members should consult with healthcare providers before starting any dietary supplement, especially products marketed for performance enhancement or weight loss. Moderate confidence: Service members should understand that government regulations for supplements are much less strict than for medications, so a product being available for sale does not guarantee it is safe. Moderate confidence: If you experience side effects from a supplement, report them to your healthcare provider and consider stopping use rather than assuming the effects indicate the product is working. Moderate confidence: Multivitamins and basic mineral supplements appear safer than combination products or prohormones, but individual needs vary.
Military service members and their families should care about this research, as it directly addresses their supplement use patterns and risks. Military healthcare providers and commanders should care because improving supplement safety could enhance troop health and readiness. Civilians who use supplements, especially performance-enhancing or weight-loss products, should also pay attention, as the risks identified in military populations likely apply to them as well. Policymakers should care because the research identifies a critical gap in U.S. oversight of the supplement industry.
Side effects from supplements can occur immediately or develop over weeks to months of use. If you start a supplement and experience any unusual symptoms, stop use and contact your healthcare provider. Benefits from basic multivitamins or mineral supplements typically take several weeks to become noticeable, if they occur at all. For performance-enhancing supplements, any benefits should be modest and gradual. If you do not notice improvements within 4 to 6 weeks, the supplement is unlikely to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do military members use more supplements than regular people?
Yes, significantly more. A 2026 review found that 76% of Army personnel use supplements compared to lower rates among civilians. Military members also favor riskier performance-enhancing products more often than civilians do.
What are the most common side effects from military supplement use?
The review reports that about 18% of military supplement users experience adverse effects, with higher rates among those using combination products or prohormones. Specific side effects are not detailed, but they appear mild enough that most users continue taking supplements.
Are dietary supplements regulated by the government like medications are?
No, supplements face much less regulation than medications. The 2026 review found that 38% of military users incorrectly believe government regulations ensure supplement safety. Supplements do not require FDA approval before sale like medications do.
Should I stop taking supplements if I experience side effects?
Yes, you should stop and contact your healthcare provider. The review found that military members often continue supplements despite side effects, believing the effects indicate the product is working. This approach may mask serious problems.
What supplements are safest for military personnel to use?
Multivitamins, multiminerals, and basic individual vitamins appear safer than combination products or prohormones. However, all supplements carry some risk. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially performance-enhancing products.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log each supplement you take daily, including the product name, dose, and any physical changes you notice (energy level, sleep quality, muscle soreness, digestive changes, mood). Rate any side effects on a scale of 1 to 10 to track patterns over time.
- Before adding a new supplement, use the app to review your current supplements and check for potential interactions. Set a reminder to discuss your supplement list with your healthcare provider at your next appointment. Take a photo of each supplement bottle label and store it in the app for reference.
- Review your supplement log monthly to identify which products correlate with positive or negative changes in how you feel. Track whether side effects improve or worsen over time. Share your logged data with your healthcare provider to ensure your supplement regimen is safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.
This review summarizes research on dietary supplement use and safety but does not provide personalized medical advice. Dietary supplements are not regulated as strictly as medications and may cause side effects or interact with medications or other supplements. Before starting any supplement, especially performance-enhancing or weight-loss products, consult with your healthcare provider or military medical personnel. If you experience adverse effects from a supplement, stop use and seek medical attention. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical guidance.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.