(P24-021-23) A Mixed-Methods Study of Dietary Supplement Prevalence and Motivating Factors in U.S. Marine Corps Personnel

Objectives: Determine prevalence of dietary supplements (DS) use by active-duty Marines and reasons for use.

Methods: In this mixed-methods study, 278 Marines completed a questionnaire on DS use the prior 12 months. A subset (31%; n=87) took part in semi-structured focus groups (FG) to explore qualitative factors related to DS use and attitudes. Survey data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and for associations. FG data were analyzed using thematic coding.

Results: Most Marines (82%) used ≥1 category of DS ≥1 time/week. Frequently reported DS categories were: protein/amino acids (62%), pre/post workout (56%), other DS (31%), multi-mineral/vitamin (28%), individual vitamin/mineral (23%), weight/fat loss (22%), herbals (16%), joint health/arthritis (8%), and prohormones (7%). Reasons for use were to improve: general health (39%), performance (39%), energy (35%), recovery (35%), muscle mass (34%) and strength (33%), physical appearance (33%), endurance (21%), attention/concentration (18%), increase weight loss (16%), and physical fitness (13%). The FG’s found there was a highly competitive culture in which DS were accepted for regular use and perceived to benefit military appearance and performance, cope with the stressors of physical fitness tests, improve promotion opportunities, and meet specific job demands. Although DS were considered safe, adverse effects including sleep difficulties (16%), rapid heart rate (11%) and tremors or shaking (10%) were noted and attributed to individual patterns of use. Marines noted safe and effective DS use requires individual research, input from trusted peers, and attention to individual response to specific products/dose, and DS sold on base were safe and approved for use. Marines noted a need for early-career education on DS safety, nutrition/fitness training, and clear and accessible guidance on prohibited DS.

Conclusions: This mixed-method study identified high prevalence of DS use among Marines and identified opportunities for messaging and education to promote safe use while supporting the desire to optimize performance and military appearance.

Funding Sources: Supported by Defense Health Program and USAMRDC; views expressed do not reflect official policy of the Dept of Army/Navy, Uniformed Services University, DoD, or US Government.