- Are drugs that prevent the body from converting testosterone to estrogen.
- Are used to treat certain types of cancer, primarily breast and ovarian cancer.
- Are on the OPSS list of DoD-prohibited substances in dietary supplements.
Performance & Bodybuilding
- Vary widely in the kinds of ingredients they contain. Some are relatively safe, but others are not.
- Sometimes contain hidden ingredients such as prescription drugs or steroids that pose serious health risks and could affect a drug test.
- Like any other supplement, should not be used without first consulting a healthcare provider.
Read the OPSS article about bodybuilding and performance enhancement to learn more.
- Can be effective for explosive, high-intensity activities, but not endurance activities.
- Is available in many forms, but creatine monohydrate is the most studied form.
- Should be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider, such as a registered dietitian who specializes in sports dietetics.
- In dietary supplements, look for ones with creatine monohydrate as the only active ingredient.
To learn more, read the OPSS article about creatine.
- Is not approved by FDA as an ingredient in dietary supplements.
- Is a synthetic stimulant that might not be safe.
- Is known by a number of names, including AMP citrate, Amperall, 1,3-dimethybutylamine.
- Is on the OPSS list of DoD-prohibited substances.
- Might register on an initial military urine screening test for amphetamines, but will not cause a positive result on confirmation drug tests.
For more information, including other names for DMBA to watch out for, visit the OPSS article about DMBA.
- Is a hormone naturally produced in the liver.
- Is also produced synthetically for use as a drug and may be used only with a prescription.
- Is on the OPSS list of DoD-prohibited substances but will not cause a positive drug test.
To learn more, please read the OPSS article about IGF-1.
- Is a stimulant not allowed for use in dietary supplements.
- Is also known as oxilofrine or p-hydroxyephedrine.
- Is on the OPSS list of DoD-prohibited substances but will not cause a positive drug test.
For more information, read the OPSS article about methylsynephrine.
- Are acceptable when high-quality foods are unavailable or not practical.
- Sometimes contain protein from hemp, so know your service policy on hemp.
- Might contain other kinds of ingredients you don’t necessarily want or need.
To learn more about protein supplements, read the OPSS articles about whey protein and hemp.
- Are dietary supplements marketed to enhance performance by raising your testosterone level.
- Sometimes contain potentially dangerous or prohibited ingredients, controlled substances, or drugs.
- Sometimes contain ingredients not listed on the label that could affect a drug test.
Read the OPSS article about testosterone boosters for more information.
- Is most commonly used in “testosterone booster” and other performance-enhancement supplements.
- Has not been shown to affect human testosterone levels or athletic performance.
- Is not on the list of DoD-prohibited substances and will not result in a positive drug test.
To learn more, read the OPSS article about Tribulus terrestris.
- Is an ecdysteroid (plant steroid) found in Ajuga turkestanica and other plants.
- Is sometimes found in dietary supplements marketed for bodybuilding.
- Has little to no evidence of safety or effectiveness as a dietary supplement.
- Is not prohibited for use by Service Members.