OPERATION SUPPLEMENT SAFETY

A DoD-Wide Educational Initiative

From the Human Performance Resource Center (HPRC)

Purpose

Service members Leaders

DoD civilians

Family members Healthcare providers Retirees

• Increase awareness within the DoD community about dietary supplements

• Provide tools to help make informed decisions about supplements

Key Messages

• Get nutrients from FOOD first! Supplements are not as complete as food Supplements can be more expensive than food Supplements are not FDA-tested or approved

prior to marketing Supplements can be dangerous to health

• Choose wisely: Get the facts first! Know how to spot red flags Know what to look for on a label

Is it safe?Does it work?

• Evidence-based approach: Use OPSS High-Risk cardNo ingredients listed as “blends”, “proprietary blends,” or “delivery

systems”?All ingredients have DVs* < 200%?No caffeine or caffeine limited to no more than 200 mg/serving/day? Is it third-party certified/verified?

* DV = Daily Value, the recommended daily amount of a particular nutrient% is usually based on a 2,000 calorie diet

OPSS Best Practices

• Training: Insert OPSS into standard training situations

• Marketing: Post OPSS materials in prominent locations and the OPSS button on your websites

• Quality Care: Incorporate DS screening/counseling/reporting at clinics and pharmacies

• Teamwork: Implement OPSS through cross-functional teams

• HPRC’s Operation Supplement Safety

OPSS Resources for Warfighters and Providers

OPSS “Ask the Expert” button

HPRC-online.org/opss

ResourcesFrom the Human Performance Resource Center