Dietary supplements promise strength, focus, resilience, and disease prevention, but how well do we truly understand their benefits and risks?

In Episode 76 of the Orange Pill Podcast, we take a deep dive into one of the most comprehensive investigations of supplement use ever conducted: a Department of Defense–commissioned report by the Institute of Medicine examining dietary supplement use among U.S. military personnel- one of the world’s most physically and mentally stressed populations.

This episode unpacks the most important and surprising findings, including:

• Why supplements are regulated as foods, not drugs, and what that really means for safety
• Why “sold on base” does not mean “military-approved”
• The proven benefits and real limitations of caffeine as a performance aid
• The striking gap between supplement use and disclosure to healthcare providers
• Why more clinical research is urgently needed in high-stress populations like the military

We also address common misconceptions about FDA oversight, dietary supplement GMPs, and adverse event reporting, revealing a regulatory framework that is often misunderstood by the public.

This episode offers critical insights not just for service members, but for consumers, healthcare providers, regulators, and supplement brands alike.