Dietary Supplement Dilemma

The Dietary Supplement Dilemma delivers balanced information, from a military sports medicine perspective, about performance enhancers that are commonly used by CF members.

A publication entitled "The Dietary Supplement Dilemma: Helpful or Harmful" was produced in order to help receive the proper information.

The dietary supplement industry is a multi-billion dollar a year business that claims its products offer a solution to such common concerns as health, weight loss, strength development, happiness, longevity and sexual fulfillment. Canadian Forces personnel are not immune to these marketing messages. Unfortunately, little research has been done into the potential side effects of these products, the risks associated with their long-term use, possible drug interactions, and their impact on such things as judgment, balance, and coordination. A lack of scientifically valid information on these issues raises serious concerns with regard to the potential impact of these products on the performance of Canadian Forces personnel employed in the many challenging roles we demand of them.