Retrospective self-reported dietary supplement use by Australian military personnel during deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan: results from the Middle East Area of Operations Health Study

Abstract

The use of dietary supplements is popular among military personnel. However, there is a lack of understanding about the changes in use during deployment and the specific factors associated with such changes. This study retrospectively examined changes in the pattern of supplement use among Australian veterans during their deployment to Iraq (n = 8848) and Afghanistan (n = 6507) between 2001 and 2009 and identified work-related circumstances that were associated with these changes. The frequency of use of supplements at present and during deployment was assessed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to compare the use of supplements among different groups and among those with different deployment experiences. The study found that overall use of supplements was highest on deployment to Afghanistan (27.8%) compared with deployment to Iraq (22.0%, p < 0.001) or after deployment (current use, 21.2%; p < 0.001). Personnel who were younger or who were at the rank of noncommissioned officer were more likely to use dietary supplements. Men were more likely to use body-building supplements, whereas women more often used weight-loss supplements. Those veterans who did not report using supplements regularly on deployment were far less likely to use them subsequently. Combat exposure, mixed duty cycles, and working long hours during deployment were associated with higher supplement use. The findings confirmed that supplement use in the military reflects the unique demands and stressors of defence service.

Performance and image enhancing drugs use in active military personnel and veterans: A contemporary review

“…The small amount of data available suggests that PIEDs use often begins with combat deployment; one participant also mentioned beginning PIEDs use in basic training. 22,35 This contrasts with other studies reporting that PIEDs use may have started after a break from the armed forces training due to leave or injury. 33,34 However, research investigating when PIEDs use commenced in armed forces users is limited so any generalization must be treated with caution.…”

“…To avoid any confusion, post‐deployment refers to active service following a deployment and veteran refers to service personnel who have left the armed forces. The literature suggests that PIEDs are used before, during, and after deployment, with the majority of current literature suggesting that use of PIEDs significantly increases during deployment compared to prior or post‐deployment 22–24 . Conversely, a different study found no significant difference in anabolic steroid use on deployment when compared to in‐garrison and a reduction in the use of weight‐loss supplements during deployment 25 …”

“…The literature suggests that PIEDs are used before, during, and after deployment, with the majority of current literature suggesting that use of PIEDs significantly increases during deployment compared to prior or post-deployment. [22][23][24] Conversely, a different study found no significant difference in anabolic steroid use on deployment when compared to in-garrison and a reduction in the use of weightloss supplements during deployment. 25 Males are more likely to use performance enhancing PIEDs such as anabolic steroids and body building supplements whereas women were more likely to use more image focused PIEDs such as weight-loss supplements.…”

“…26,27 Moreover, the quality of these studies lacks research reliability due to their descriptive nature and the use of case studies. 34,37 Finally, the definitions of PIEDs differed between studies, with some studies considering them as nutritional bodybuilding or weight-loss supplements 22,27,28,33 whereas others classified them as proscribed medical or pharmaceutical substances. 26,31,35,36 forces.…”

“…29,31 Army personnel was the most likely to use PIEDs when compared to other military forces. 22,29 Other factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, lower educational level, deployment experience, and higher levels of physical activity were associated with PIED use. 26,28,32 The current literature suggests that young, male non-commissioned Army personnel are the most likely to use PIEDs.…”