Few Military Supplements Carry Independent Safety Labels
A 2024 study of supplements at two Army bases found that only 10% of products held DOD-recommended safety certifications.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Nutrition
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Should military bases only sell dietary supplements that have received independent third-party safety certification?
A 2024 study examining 1,209 dietary supplements at Fort Drum, New York, and Camp Buehring, Kuwait, revealed that only 120 products carried required third-party safety certifications. This research highlights a gap in oversight for items sold at military retail outlets, given that the FDA does not mandate safety or efficacy testing for new supplements.
Why it matters
With 75% of service members reporting weekly supplement use in 2021, the lack of certified options presents a potential risk to health. Improving the availability of verified products is essential to ensuring personnel avoid prohibited ingredients and unsafe formulations.
The study identified 120 certified items out of 1,209 total products, representing a 10% certification rate. These figures follow a 2021 assessment noting that 75% of service members consume supplements weekly.
The players
Department of Defense
The executive department of the United States federal government charged with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government concerned directly with national security and the United States Armed Forces.
Food and Drug Administration
The federal agency responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and the nation's food supply.
The details
Researchers reviewed products against a list of four independent organizations recognized by the Defense Department to maintain standards. The project serves as a baseline for ongoing efforts to increase the percentage of vetted, safe supplements available to troops.
Timeline
2011: The DOD pulled 18 products containing DMAA from bases.
2021: Study found 75% of service members consume supplements weekly.
2024: A six-month study took place at Fort Drum and Camp Buehring.
October 2026: Study results were published in Military Medicine.
Health Landscape
This study updates the regulatory oversight framework established following the 2011 DOD DMAA product recall. It suggests that despite historical interventions, ensuring consistent supplement safety on military installations remains a complex challenge for the Department of Defense.
Service members and consumers should be aware that retail supplement labels do not always guarantee safety or efficacy due to limited FDA testing. Checking product databases against official safety standards can help mitigate risks associated with unverified ingredients.
The takeaway
Consumers should prioritize purchasing supplements that carry independent, third-party certification to ensure quality and safety. Relying on verified products is the most effective way to avoid potentially harmful ingredients that the FDA does not screen for in new items.
Further reading
For more on supplement standards and public health, visit our Nutrition section.
More information
To verify if your products meet safety criteria, check the DOD supplement safety scorecard.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Stars and Stripes.
Live Poll
Should military bases only sell dietary supplements that have received independent third-party safety certification?
