Photo By Tech. Sgt. Shelton Sherrill | This infographic explains facts about over the counter supplements that could...... read more read more
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KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- There is a saying “what you don’t know, won’t hurt you,” but when it comes to supplements you use, what you don’t know could impact your military career.
Airmen should be cautious when taking supplements and foods that could cause positive results on a urinalysis test, said James Collins, the Drug Demand Reduction Program manager on base.
Some of the main substances tested for is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), spice, cocaine, opiates, opioids, amphetamines and benzodiazepines. While most of these substances are found in legal and illegal drugs, traces of these substances can be found in certain foods and dietary supplements. The ingredients and supplement facts shows what is in a product, but some substances may show as an extract, synthetic or derivative of a banned substance.
“It’s important to read the labels; some things are hidden,” said Collins.
He said be aware of pre-workout supplements containing stimulates like methylhexanamine or dimethylamylamine (DMAA) that could potentially cause positive results on a drug test.
In the article, “Can Poppy Seeds Cause A positive Test,” by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, research showed traces of opium in poppy seeds that can be detected in a urinalysis.
Also, products containing hemp, such as protein bars, protein shakes and hemp seeds, contain small amounts of THC that may be detected on tests.
While Air Force Instructions 90-507, Military Drug Demand Reduction Program, and 44-121, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program, prohibits certain drugs and products containing hemp in order to ensure military readiness. Airmen should be mindful when using supplements that may not be prohibited, like caffeine.
The article, “Caffeine: Cognitive and Physical Performance Enhancer or Psychoactive Drug?” by Simone Cappelletti, Piacentino Daria, Gabriele Sani, and Mariarosaria Aromatario with the University of Rome in Rome, Italy, revealed that consuming more than 400 mg of caffeine per day can lead to toxicity. This can cause anxiety, sleep issues, nervous system issues, dependency and abuse.
Collins said it’s up to members to avoid abusing any substance and consuming prohibited substances as outlined in the Air Force’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program and the Drug Demand Reduction Program. These programs and the Army and Air Force Exchange Services help Airmen with this responsibility by offering many supplements through trusted retailers on base.
“Products sold on base are screened by AAFES’s corporate office to make sure they don’t contain ingredients that are not in compliance with Air Force standards,” said Edward Jesture, a Sales Area Manager at Keesler’s Base Exchange.
Some banned products can potentially make it to retailers’ shelves on base since companies are constantly changing ingredients, said Collins. That is why it’s still important to read a product’s ingredients to ensure you know don’t put your career at risk, he added.
To ask about supplements members may have concerns about, they can contact Collins at 228-377-9221.
| Date Taken: | 10.17.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 10.31.2017 14:53 |
| Story ID: | 253607 |
| Location: | KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MS, US |
| Web Views: | 323 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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