Dietary Supplement Certification Rare at Army Bases
A 2024 audit found only 10% of products at two military sites had the third-party certification recommended by the DOD.
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 of 1,209 dietary supplements sold at military installations found that only 10% carried DOD-recommended third-party certification. This research highlights concerns regarding supplement safety for service members, 75% of whom reported weekly consumption as of 2021.
Why it matters
Because the FDA does not require supplements to undergo safety or efficacy testing before reaching the market, third-party certification acts as a crucial safeguard. Finding that few products meet these standards helps researchers understand the risks service members may face when purchasing supplements on base.
In an audit of 1,209 supplement products across two Army installations during 2024, researchers identified that only 120 items carried DOD-approved third-party certification. Further research is currently investigating the prevalence of certification on a broader scale.
The players
Defense Department
The cabinet-level department responsible for the military, which manages health safety standards and prohibited ingredient lists for service members.
FDA
The federal agency tasked with protecting public health by regulating the safety of food and pharmaceutical products, though it does not regulate supplement efficacy.
The details
The study assessed products against standards from four independent organizations recognized by the Defense Department for verifying supplement quality. Because the FDA does not mandate pre-market safety or efficacy testing, these certifications are the primary mechanism for identifying products that avoid banned ingredients. The research aimed to establish a baseline for identifying supplement availability on military bases to potentially increase the use of verified items.
Timeline
2011: DOD removed 18 products containing DMAA from military bases.
2021: Study indicated 75% of service members use supplements on a weekly basis.
2024: Researchers conducted a six-month study of supplement inventory.
October 2026: Results of the supplement audit were published in Military Medicine.
Health Landscape
The study provides a baseline for evaluating product adherence to the DOD supplement safety scorecard, which sets standards for acceptable ingredient quality on military installations. It reflects an ongoing effort to mitigate risks from unregulated products following historical incidents like the 2011 removal of DMAA.
Since supplement safety is not guaranteed by federal oversight, consumers should look for third-party quality seals when choosing products. Discuss any supplements you are considering with your physician to ensure they do not conflict with your specific health needs or medications.
The takeaway
Because the supplement industry lacks rigorous pre-market testing, third-party certification is a vital tool for verifying quality. When purchasing these items, look for labels from established, independent third-party agencies and consult your doctor before starting any new routine.
Further reading
For more information on how to vet health products, visit our Nutrition section.
More information
For tools to verify the safety of products, see the DOD supplement safety scorecard.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Stars and Stripes.
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Should military bases only sell dietary supplements that have received independent third-party safety certification?
