Supplemental genistein, quercetin, and resveratrol intake in active duty army soldiers.
Previous reports indicate that the majority of U.S. Army soldiers consume dietary supplements (DSs) > 1 time/wk. However, these studies did not evaluate phytonutrient supplementation. A growing literature suggests inclusion of phytonutrients in DSs may pose a risk for toxicity, which could impact the performance of soldier duties, as well as long-term health and wellness. This study was conducted to assess and understand soldiers' motivations to consume phytonutrient-containing DSs, specifically genistein, quercetin, and resveratrol. The study was a cross-sectional, descriptive mixed-methods design using a survey and semistructured interviews. There were 436 soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington who completed the survey, from which 36 soldiers completed an interview. Overall, 34% of soldiers reported taking a single or multicomponent phytonutrient DS > 1 time/wk, from which 41 soldiers took >1 supplement/wk. Soldiers' reasons for use included unsure (54%), weight loss (12%), and other, unspecified (24%). The majority of interviewees did not consume DSs based on inclusion of genistein, quercetin, or resveratrol. The majority of soldiers, in our study, appear unable to rationalize their phytonutrient DS choices. Findings from this study illuminate the need for future research to further explore DS practices within military populations and encourage informed use of DSs.
U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Building 42, Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760.
John J
JJ
Sepowitz
Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, 300 East Hospital Road, Fort Gordon, GA 30305.
Kristina R
KR
Fauser
Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040A Jackson Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98431.
Stephanie A
SA
Meyer
U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, 6901 Farrel Road, Fort Rucker, AL 36362.
Steven J
SJ
Jackson
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D019833:Genistein / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009042:Motivation; D064209:Phytochemicals / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011794:Quercetin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000077185:Resveratrol; D013267:Stilbenes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
D000975:Antioxidants; D064209:Phytochemicals; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D013267:Stilbenes; D011794:Quercetin; D019833:Genistein; D000077185:Resveratrol