Supplement education

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge
  • 1st Special Operations Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Air Force Special Operations Commandos are reminded to notify personal physicians of any dietary supplements being taken here on Hurlburt.

Policy Memorandum 11-30 was re-issued to all Hurlburt Field Airmen March 20 as a recap that though there is no current overarching Air force or Air Force Special Operations Command policy guidance on the use of specific dietary supplements, Airmen should be aware of what they take and inform medical personnel of all substances in use.

"The use of supplements should be discussed at each clinical encounter, so as to educate our patients on the risk or benefits of any dietary supplement being considered," Col. Gary L. Hurwitz, surgeon general of Head Quarters Air Force Special Operations Command.

Though the use of common supplements such as El-Carnatine and multiple performance packs may be used to enhance abilities, some might be illegal or even dangerous to the user's health.

"It is extremely important to tell your doctors what you take," said Theresa Herring, dietitian at the Hurlburt Field Health and Wellness Center. "Ingredients in supplements could interfere with any current medications that you're taking and stop their effects."

For more information on the proper use of performance-enhancing products, contact the Health and Wellness Center at 884-4292.