Fitness supplements: Knowledge is power

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Today's Air Force fitness standards continue to push Airmen to excel in physical fitness thereby creating a solid foundation for an Air Force culture focused on health and wellness. As Airmen embrace the fitness culture and the benefits of exercise and healthy food choices, some have discovered nutritional supplements.

Airmen make choices everyday from the most trivial to the more critical, sometimes even life-changing decisions. Nutritional supplements, specifically fitness supplements designed to make the "Average Joe" into an athletic physical specimen, may not always be the safest choice to achieve their fitness goals.

After determining specific fitness goals, whether it is weight-loss or bodybuilding, finding a safe and effective fitness supplement can become difficult, but careful research can help narrow down the choices. And while the benefits of these products can be long lasting there is much left unknown to the consumer.

"Nutritional supplements are not controlled in the same way foods and drugs are regulated," said Susan Runyan, 354th Medical Operations Squadron health and wellness center dietician. "[Consumers] have to be more skeptical when purchasing these products."

According to Runyan, fitness supplements have been found to contain illegal substances that are not listed on the label. While manufacturers of these products are not supposed to hide ingredients from consumers the potential risk is always there.

"If Airmen choose to take supplements it is very important that they keep their medical provider updated with whatever they are taking," said Staff Sgt. Raul Salazar, 354th MDOS public health assessment technician.

"By making sure your doctor is informed an Airman may avoid harm to themselves and their careers," added Staff Sgt. James Giacoletti, 354th MDOS PHA technician.

The craving for a quick fix often proves foolish and by not taking time to double-check the integrity of these products potential risks may outweigh the rewards. At times the desire to be healthy and stay fit pressures people into making careless choices, said Runyan.

With flashy labels, gimmicks and new, trendy ingredients, consumers can be tempted to try these products. With eye-catching labels, detailed information including key ingredients, dosage and additional warnings are frequently ignored.

"Often people forget to read the fine print," said Salazar, "Plus knowing how to take a supplement can mean the difference in Airman's health."

Salazar has selected more natural methods to the "better, faster and stronger" lifestyle.
In addition, this method not only is safer but can save Airmen money, as fitness supplements can be costly.

"I encourage Airmen to seek a natural alternative to supplements and avoid subjecting themselves to complex chemicals that are often found in these products," said Salazar.

"When Airmen decide they want to partake in fitness supplements they have to realize that these chemical compositions can have adverse affects."

No matter what choices you make to increase your health, remember to be safe and consult your physician.

For more information consult your medical practitioner or check out www.humanperformanceresourcecenter.org/dietary-supplements.