HAWC hosting event to analyze supplements

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. David Graf
  • Health and Wellness Center
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  In our society we have seemingly limited time to give our bodies the nutrients they need and accomplish all the tasks on our daily to do lists. The ready food choices found in freezer sections and the drive-through offer quick choices, but not necessarily the healthiest of options. People are always looking for assistance in gaining the quick nutrient edge; enter the enticing lure of supplements. Supplements are products taken by mouth that include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, hormones, herbs and other botanicals.

Reasons for taking supplements may include a desire for increased athletic performance and endurance, fat burning, quicker recovery after exercise, or to augment a diet lacking in needed/desired nutrients. Some supplements offer other desired effects such as a better memory, increased libido, more energy, a stronger immune system, cancer-fighting agents, etc. Supplements are not necessarily good or bad. Like with most things, education is what is needed to give the desired physical/mental edge without unintentionally hurting anyone.

National surveys show that the U.S. population's nutrient intakes meet or exceed recommendations for several nutrients without aid of supplements. Even so, there are circumstances where supplements may be required, such as folic acid for pregnant mothers to reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects; Vitamin B-12 for strict Vegans and for individuals over the age of 50 due to increased prevalence of atrophic gastritis; Vitamin D for those with limited dairy intake and sunlight exposure; and calcium for those that are lactose intolerant.

Before taking a supplement Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and their family members should discuss it with their medical provider. Some supplements could interact adversely with some medications and/or cause unwanted side effects. An additional concern is that an ingredient within the supplement may cause a false-positive within a drug-screen.

The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements, as it does with medications; so the manufacturer is responsible for self-regulation. The USP notation on the package label indicates the product's quality, potency and purity, as established by the U.S.Pharmacopoeia. The manufacturer does not need to prove safety before marketing a product although they do have the responsibility to ensure the ingredient list is accurate and the individual ingredients are safe.

General guidelines to follow for supplements are: do research, buy nationally known brands, discuss with a medical provider, start with a low dose and build-up slowly, keep an eye-out for side effects, and never give them to children or pregnant/nursing mothers without a physician's prescription. An appropriate and balanced exercise regimen that allows for rest and recovery, combined with good hydration and a balanced diet made up of a wide variety of foods, is still the best strategy for promoting optimal health and reducing the risk of chronic disease.

Malmstrom's Health and Wellness Center is providing a walk-in clinic at the Fitness Center, June 14 from 8-10 a.m., June 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and June 28 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Participants can bring in five supplement packages per day and have them analyzed for safety and effectiveness. Questions can be directed to the staff at 731-4292.