Are the supplements you take safe?

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. James Ramirez
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --   In today's fitness community, whether doing cardio, weight-lifting or any other physical activity, there is a supplement that claims to increase performance or offer some other athletic advantage.

Jennifer Hoffman, Laughlin's Health and Wellness Center dietician, cautions personnel to take the proper steps to make sure these supplements are safe for their bodies.

"Over the counter supplements are not regulated like prescription drugs, so some products may have ingredients not listed on the label and have other safety concerns," said Hoffman.

The Food and Drug Administration categorizes these products as dietary supplements that are not regulated by the same standards.

Hoffman said the FDA requires these products to have standard disclaimers on containers, but the risk of outside ingredients and unsubstantiated claims still exists.

"The Human Performance Resource Center is a tool Laughlin members may utilize to determine the safety of a supplement. HPRC rates common supplements on a scale of one to twelve based on the benefit of the supplement versus the risk taking the supplement poses to your body," said Hoffman.

Hector Rodriguez, Unit Drug Demand Program manager, also cautions servicemembers to constantly monitor what they intake and what they come in contact with.

"Airmen should be constantly vigilant of what they come in contact with, and of course anything they ingest, as this can lead to false positives," said Rodriguez.

"The best practice is for someone to do the research on whatever supplement they are considering and then to talk to their health care provider to ensure it is a safe choice," said Hoffman.

If you are concerned about the supplements you currently take or are looking into something new, you may stop by the HAWC inside Laughlin's Losano Fitness Center for more information and it is suggested that you consult your health care provider before taking any type of dietary supplement.