According to Gram Research analysis, active-duty Army soldiers use dietary supplements at significantly higher rates than incoming trainees: 81% of experienced soldiers reported using supplements compared to just 59% of new recruits. Protein supplements were most popular among both groups, but soldiers used them more frequently (58% versus 45%). The study suggests that supplement use may increase as people progress through military service, though researchers cannot yet confirm whether this is due to training demands, peer influence, or other factors.
A new study compared how often incoming Army trainees use dietary supplements compared to active-duty soldiers. Researchers found that 81% of experienced soldiers reported taking supplements like protein powder and vitamins, while only 59% of new trainees did. The most popular supplements among soldiers were protein products, pre-workout drinks, and multivitamins. This research suggests that soldiers may start taking more supplements as they spend time in the military, possibly due to increased training demands and exposure to supplement use among their peers.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cross-sectional study of 563 male Army infantry soldiers found that 81% of active-duty soldiers reported using dietary supplements compared to 59% of incoming trainees, a statistically significant difference of 22 percentage points.
Among the 451 active-duty soldiers in the study, protein supplements were the most commonly used product at 58%, followed by pre-workout or post-workout supplements at 48% and multivitamins at 48%.
Incoming Army trainees used dietary supplements from fewer categories than active-duty soldiers: the median trainee used supplements from 1 category while the median soldier used supplements from 2 categories.
Pre-workout and post-workout supplements showed a notable gap between groups: 48% of active-duty soldiers used them compared to only 28% of incoming trainees, suggesting increased use develops during military service.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether new Army recruits use dietary supplements (like protein powder, vitamins, and pre-workout drinks) differently than soldiers who have been serving for years.
- Who participated: 563 male Army infantry soldiers total: 451 active-duty soldiers with an average of 9.2 years of service, and 112 brand-new trainees who had not yet started basic combat training.
- Key finding: Active-duty soldiers were significantly more likely to use dietary supplements: 81% of soldiers reported using them compared to only 59% of new trainees. Soldiers also used supplements from more different categories (an average of 2 types versus 1 type for trainees).
- What it means for you: If you’re considering joining the military or are a new recruit, you may notice that experienced soldiers around you use more supplements. This doesn’t mean you need to start taking them immediately. The increase in supplement use appears to develop over time as soldiers adapt to military training demands and learn about products from their peers.
The Research Details
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study, which is like taking a snapshot at one moment in time rather than following people over months or years. They asked 451 active-duty Army infantry soldiers and 112 incoming trainees to complete a questionnaire about their dietary supplement use during the previous week. Both groups answered the same questions about nine different types of supplements: protein products, pre-workout or post-workout drinks, multivitamins and minerals, individual vitamins or minerals, weight or fat loss products, muscle-building products, energy products, joint health products, and other supplements. The researchers then compared how many people in each group used supplements and which types were most popular.
This research approach is useful because it reveals differences between two groups at a specific point in time. By comparing new trainees to experienced soldiers, researchers can see how supplement use patterns might change as people progress through military service. However, this type of study cannot prove that military service causes increased supplement use. It only shows that a difference exists, which suggests that something about being in the military for years might lead to more supplement use.
This study has several strengths: it used a large sample of soldiers, asked both groups the same questions, and focused on a specific population that hasn’t been studied much before. However, the study only included male infantry soldiers, so the results may not apply to female soldiers or those in other military roles. Additionally, because this is a snapshot in time rather than following the same people over years, we cannot be certain whether soldiers increased their supplement use after joining or whether people who already used supplements were more likely to join the military.
What the Results Show
The most striking finding was the large difference in overall supplement use between the two groups. Eighty-one percent of active-duty soldiers reported taking at least one dietary supplement during the week they were surveyed, compared to only 59% of incoming trainees. This 22-percentage-point difference was statistically significant, meaning it was very unlikely to have occurred by chance. Soldiers also used supplements from more categories on average: the typical soldier used supplements from 2 different categories, while the typical trainee used supplements from only 1 category. When researchers looked at specific types of supplements, soldiers used more of every single category. Protein supplements were the most popular among both groups, but 58% of soldiers used them compared to 45% of trainees. Pre-workout and post-workout supplements were used by 48% of soldiers but only 28% of trainees. Multivitamins and mineral supplements showed a similar pattern: 48% of soldiers versus 24% of trainees.
Other notable differences included weight and fat loss supplements, which 37% of soldiers used compared to a smaller percentage of trainees. Individual vitamin and mineral supplements (like vitamin D or iron pills taken alone) were used by 34% of soldiers versus 23% of trainees. Muscle-building supplements were used by 21% of trainees, making them the fifth most popular category for this group, but the study did not report the exact percentage for soldiers. These secondary findings suggest that soldiers may be more focused on specific performance goals like weight management and muscle building, or they may have learned about these products through their military experience.
Previous research has shown that dietary supplement use among active-duty military personnel is very common, with studies reporting that more than 70% use supplements. This new study confirms that high usage rate (finding 81% among their soldier sample) and extends our knowledge by showing that new trainees use supplements at much lower rates. This suggests that supplement use increases after people join the military, possibly due to the intense physical training, exposure to other soldiers who use supplements, or increased access to supplement products on military bases. The pattern fits with what researchers would expect: as people become more involved in military culture and training, they adopt more of the practices common among their peers.
This study has important limitations to consider. First, it only included male infantry soldiers, so we don’t know if female soldiers or those in other military specialties follow the same pattern. Second, the study was conducted at one point in time, so we cannot determine whether trainees will actually increase their supplement use as they progress through military service, or whether the difference reflects something about the types of people who choose to join the military. Third, the study relied on people’s memory of what they took during the previous week, which may not be completely accurate. Finally, the study did not measure whether the supplements actually helped soldiers with their goals or whether they were safe and effective.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, there is no recommendation that new military trainees should start taking dietary supplements. The study shows that experienced soldiers use more supplements, but it does not prove that supplements caused their success or fitness levels. If you are a new recruit or considering joining the military, focus first on the training program provided by the military and eating a balanced diet. Talk to a military medical professional or nutritionist before starting any supplements, as some products may interact with medications or not be appropriate for your individual health needs. Confidence level: Moderate. The evidence shows a clear difference in supplement use patterns, but we cannot be certain why this difference exists.
This research is most relevant to people considering military service, new military recruits, military leadership interested in soldier health and performance, and nutritionists or health professionals who work with military personnel. It may also interest supplement companies and fitness enthusiasts who want to understand how supplement use develops over time. People who are not in the military can still learn from this study: it shows how peer influence and environmental factors can shape health behaviors over time.
If the pattern observed in this study holds true, new trainees who continue military service might gradually increase their supplement use over months to years. However, this study does not provide specific information about how quickly this change occurs. Some soldiers may adopt supplements within weeks, while others may take years. Individual factors like personal fitness goals, access to supplements, and peer influence will likely affect the timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do military soldiers use more dietary supplements than civilians?
This study shows that active-duty Army soldiers use supplements at high rates (81%), but it does not directly compare them to civilians. However, the finding that new trainees use supplements at lower rates (59%) suggests military experience increases supplement use, possibly due to training intensity and peer influence.
What supplements do Army soldiers use most?
According to the 2026 study, active-duty soldiers most commonly used protein supplements (58%), pre-workout or post-workout drinks (48%), and multivitamins (48%). Protein was also the most popular among new trainees at 45%, suggesting it’s valued across all experience levels.
Should new military recruits start taking supplements?
This study does not recommend that new recruits immediately start taking supplements. The research shows that experienced soldiers use more supplements, but it does not prove supplements caused their success. Consult a military medical professional before starting any supplements.
Why do experienced soldiers use more supplements than new trainees?
This study cannot definitively explain why, but possible reasons include increased training demands, exposure to other soldiers who use supplements, greater access to products on military bases, and more time to learn about supplements. Longitudinal research is needed to confirm the cause.
What types of supplements do new Army trainees use?
Incoming trainees most commonly used protein supplements (45%), pre-workout or post-workout drinks (28%), multivitamins (24%), individual vitamins or minerals (23%), and muscle-building products (21%), showing interest in performance and fitness goals.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track the number of different types of dietary supplements you use each week (protein, pre-workout, multivitamins, etc.). Record this weekly to see if your supplement use patterns change over time, similar to what researchers observed in this military study.
- If you are a new recruit or starting an intense training program, use the app to log your current supplement use before training begins, then check back monthly to see if your habits change. This personal tracking can help you understand your own patterns and make intentional choices about supplements rather than adopting them unconsciously.
- Create a long-term tracking dashboard that shows your supplement use over 6 to 12 months. Include categories like protein, pre-workout, multivitamins, and any others you use. This mirrors the research methodology and helps you see whether your supplement use increases as you progress through training or military service, allowing you to make informed decisions about your health.
This research describes patterns of dietary supplement use among Army soldiers and trainees but does not evaluate the safety or effectiveness of any specific supplement. Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as medications. Before starting any supplement, especially if you are military personnel, pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have underlying health conditions, consult with a healthcare provider or military medical professional. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual results and supplement safety vary by person and product.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.