A comprehensive review of dietary supplements mission-specific health and performance enhancement in military soldiers

• Published in: Food science and biotechnology Vol. 34; no. 6; pp. 1219 - 1234
• Main Authors: Lee, Haneul, Kim, Younhee, Kang, Sumin, Kim, Hayoon, Kim, Jong-Hee, Kim, Wooki, Park, Hongsuk, Go, Gwang-woong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Springer Nature B.V 01.04.2025; 한국식품과학회
• Subjects: Biotechnology; cognition; Cognitive ability; cognitive disorders; Dietary supplements; Food science; Health problems; immunity; Military; Military personnel; Military psychology; Muscles; Physical training; Psychological stress; 식품과학; Military performance; Muscle function; Psychological resilience; Immune enhancement; Dietary supplements
• ISSN: 1226-7708; 2092-6456; 2092-6456
• DOI: 10.1007/s10068-024-01728-4

Soldiers undergo intensive physical training, maintain high levels of concentration, and require rapid recovery from various traumas, making them highly specialized individuals. Under high physical and mental stress conditions, soldiers experience health issues related to decreased muscle function, impaired immunity, depression, and cognitive decline. A growing need exists for dietary supplements to mitigate these issues, and the usage patterns of such supplements are continuously increasing. Therefore, as dietary supplement consumption rises within the military, a sophisticated approach to addressing nutritional supplement requirements is essential. We discuss health problems that may arise under stressful conditions in soldiers, suggesting various nutritional supplements that are essential to address these issues. In conclusion, these nutritional supplements can be used as promising interventions for numerous health problems, including enhanced muscle function, improved immunity, mental stress alleviation, and cognitive enhancement. This ultimately suggests a contribution to military personnel health and the strengthening of national defense capabilities.