Twenty-six Air Force installations will participate in a survey Feb. 13 to 27 regarding dietary supplement usage in the Air Force.

“The survey will help the Air Force keep track of what supplements people are taking, so the Air Force can educate Airmen on any dangers that may go along with taking supplements,” said Capt. Christle Peaden, an aerospace physiologist with the 22nd Aeromedical-Dental Operations Squadron.

The survey, originally developed by the Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, was revised for Air Force use. The Army survey results found 40 percent of soldiers use one or more supplements; 30 percent reported significant side effects such as dizziness, alteration of consciousness, weakness and cardiac symptoms.

According to Captain Peaden, the survey will be e-mailed basewide, asking everyone to participate even if they are not taking dietary supplements. In the survey, dietary supplements refer to energy boosters, over-the-counter diet pills, bodybuilding drinks or mixes and daily vitamins.

“What many people don’t realize is that supplements are not controlled by the Food and Drug Administration,” Captain Peaden said. “Because these items are sold in stores, people are led to believe all supplements are healthy.”

Although supplements are not controlled by the FDA, doctors can educate patients on the correct usage and dose.

“You are supposed to notify your doctor about any supplements you are taking,” Captain Peaden said. “If your doctor is able to keep track of what you are taking, he can notify you if any health messages come out concerning the supplements.”

Supplement users should also contact their doctor to ensure they are spending their money on a useful product.

“There are many companies who sell products such as creatine, but not all creatine is equal,” said Lou Stadler, health promotion flight chief. “A lot of research needs to be completed by the consumer before taking a supplement, such as what brand to buy and how much to take.”

Since the supplements are not FDA approved, the dosing is left up to the customer.

“A lot of the customers think more is better,” Captain Peaden said. “Once people take 200 to 300 percent of their daily intake, the effectiveness decreases significantly, so it is important to discuss dosage with your doctor.”

With dietary supplement sales reaching $9 billion in 2001, according to Packaged Fact, heavy advertising draws consumers in.

“There is no magic pill,” said Staff Sgt. Sunny Siler, 22nd Aeromedical-Dental Operations Squadron. “We see all the celebrities on television endorsing the products, and companies sending samples with their fitness DVD package, but that doesn’t mean you need to take it.”

When it comes to seeing results, fitness experts still endorse the old-fashioned way.

“The best way to lose weight is to diet, exercise and be patient,” Mr. Stadler said. “Supplements can help enhance your workout if you are taking the right supplements, but it won’t work overnight.”

“Not everything is bad for you, but not everything is good for you,” Captain Peaden said. “Just because the package says all natural doesn’t mean it isn’t dangerous. Be sure to do your research.”