EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Airmen looking to improve their physical and mental fitness by incorporating dietary supplements into their daily routines may unknowingly be exposing themselves to things like hidden pharmaceutical drugs, unapproved stimulants, or anabolic steroids.
To help service members make informed decisions about the products they’re taking, the Department of War established Operation Supplement Safety in 2012 and it became the official, evidence-based resource for dietary supplement safety in 2022.
“Dietary supplements are often expensive, frequently ineffective, and potentially dangerous if contaminated,” said Steven Callon, Air Force Material Command Drug Demand Reduction program manager. “Given these risks, it’s critical to investigate what you’re consuming and make an informed decision before starting any supplement routine.”
The OPSS website educates service members, their families, and health care providers on how to choose safe supplements and avoid harmful or prohibited ingredients.
Information available on the website includes prohibited dietary supplement ingredients because not knowing what ingredients are contained in a supplement is not an accepted defense for a prohibited substances violation.
“By making OPSS a standard part of their fitness planning, Airmen can take control of their health and protect their careers from the hidden dangers of the supplement market,” said Michael McClellan, 96th Test Wing Drug Demand Reduction program manager. “With new products infused with substances like THC entering the market daily, it’s increasingly critical for our Airmen to know exactly what they are consuming.”