3 of the most common dietary supplements taken by service members in the US military

• Military personnel are known for extreme physical fitness.
• Military personnel are more likely to take supplements to support their health and fitness than civilians.
• Popular supplements include multivitamins, protein and amino acid supplements, and single ingredient supplements.

Military personnel are some of the fittest people around. From brutal "hell week" training, to intense tactical and leadership courses, to fitness tests that require complex athletic skills, physical fitness is a key part of preparing members of the military for real-world combat and survival.

But when it comes to fitness, good nutrition is just as critical as working out.

And service people are even more likely than civilians to use supplements for an extra boost.

"Based on recent surveys, about 75% of service members report taking dietary supplements," Dr. Stefan Pasiakos, director of the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements and a former military researcher, told Business Insider. In contrast, only about 50% of the general population report taking supplements.

Here are some of the most commonly used dietary supplements among service members in the US.

Multivitamin

Multivitamins are the most popular supplements taken by service members, according to a 2021 study that surveyed over 26,000 service members.

Multivitamins could help you meet daily nutrient requirements without having to take several different supplements. A study published earlier this year found that taking a daily multivitamin may also help improve cognitive functioning in older adults.

But the best way to get your daily nutrient needs is still through whole foods, according to Pasiakos.

"There is generally no need to supplement if the diet provides an adequate amount of micro and macronutrients," Pasiakos said.

Protein and amino acids

Protein and amino acid supplements are also commonly used by service members "to increase muscle mass and promote recovery from exercise," Pasiakos said.

According to a 2021 study, roughly 33% of service members use protein or amino acid supplements, compared to only 4% of civilians.

Protein is essential for building muscle. Adding protein powder to your diet can help you meet daily protein needs if you're falling short, although Pasiakos said a foods-first approach is preferable.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. While some amino acid supplements could boost athletic gains, most people get all the amino acids they need through a balanced diet, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Single ingredient supplements

Single ingredient supplements are also popular among service members. According to a 2021 study, 31% reported using single ingredient supplements, which contain a single type of vitamin or mineral — like vitamin D or calcium.

"There are instances in which supplementation may be warranted," Pasiakos said.

For example, the military's Performance Readiness Bar is a snack bar fortified with vitamin D and calcium "with the hopes of reducing stress fracture risk, particularly in female trainees," Pasiakos said.

Pasiakos also said that it's important for service people to get sufficient iron. Women are especially at risk for low iron levels due to monthly menstrual cycles. Intense physical training, like during basic training, can also increase the need for certain nutrients — like iron.

If iron levels are too low, an iron supplement may be recommended.

Other people may also benefit from single-ingredient supplements, like vitamin D, calcium, and iron, but the best way to know for sure is to consult with a medical professional.