Nutrition knowledge and supplement use among elite U.S. army soldiers.
A U.S. Army Special Forces (SF) unit was studied to determine characteristics of supplement users, assess nutrition knowledge, and identify nutrition information sources. SF-qualified (n = 119) and non-SF, support soldiers (n = 38) participated. Most soldiers (87%) reported current supplement use with more SF (90%) than non-SF, support soldiers (76%) using supplements (p < or = 0.05). Supplements SF reported using most were multivitamins, sports bars/drinks, and vitamin C. The mean nutrition knowledge score for all soldiers was 48.5 +/- 15.2% correct responses. Most soldiers incorrectly believe protein is used for energy for short-term athletic events (64%) and that vitamins provide energy (58%). The most common information sources reportedly used were popular magazines/books (75%), friends/teammates (55%), physicians/nurses, radio/television (34%), and the Internet (31%).
Bovill
Maria E
ME
Military Nutrition Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA 01760, USA.
Tharion
William J
WJ
Lieberman
Harris R
HR
D000328:Adult; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000193:education*; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education*; D009753:Nutritive Value; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States