Performance Nutrition

COVID-19

  Immune-Supporting Nutrients

The following nutrients play a role in the immune system and can be found in a variety of foods:

*  Beta Carotene is found in plant foods, such as sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, mango, broccoli and tomatoes.

*  Vitamin C-rich foods include citrus fruits, berries, melons, tomatoes, bell peppers and broccoli.

*  Vitamin D is found in fatty fish and eggs. Milk and 100% juices that are fortified with vitamin D also are sources of this important nutrient.

*  Zinc tends to be better absorbed from animal sources such as beef and seafood, but also is in vegetarian sources such as wheat germ, beans, nuts and tofu.

*  Probiotics are “good” bacteria that promote health. They can be found in cultured dairy products such as yogurt and in fermented foods such as kimchi.

*  Protein comes from both animal and plant-based sources, such as milk, yogurt, eggs, beef, chicken, seafood, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils and quinoa.

 Focus on Balance

To help keep your immune system healthy all year long, focus on a balanced eating plan, adequate sleep and stress management.

A Marine’s health and safety is second to none.  And while whole, nutrient-dense foods are more easily recognized by the body and have a greater nutrient absorption for effectiveness, they may not be the only components a Marine ingests in the belief to preserve health and maximize performance.

Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS) is the Department of Defense’s resource designed to educate Marines on how to evaluate dietary supplements (items with a supplement facts panel). Dietary supplements while they are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) they are NOT approved prior to occupying sales shelves.  FDA has to prove a product is not safe, if it is already on the market before an action can be taken.

What is a dietary supplement?

·         Defined by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA):

·         Contains dietary ingredients such as a vitamin, mineral, herb or botanical, amino acid, dietary substance, or a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combination of any

·         Intended to supplement the diet not replace

·         Must be taken by mouth

·         Found in pill, tablet, capsule, gummy, powder or liquid form

WARNING

There have been identified bad actors in the economy trying to capitalize on the US vulnerability by selling fraudulent dietary supplement products.  FDA and FTC sent warning letters to seven companies for selling fraudulent products that claim to treat or prevent COVID-19.  Please see here for more information: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-update-fda-and-ftc-warn-seven-companies-selling-fraudulent-products-claim-treat-or 

OPSS Scorecard

Operations Supplement Safety (OPSS) provides resources to help consumers within the DoD community make informed decisions on dietary supplements.

Choose foods first! The body recognizes the natural forms of nutrients for maximum absorption and effectiveness.  Dietary supplements are not substitutes for a healthy, balanced diet.

Read the entire label carefully to make an informed decision about a dietary supplement product.