Supplements Promising to Get You 'Stacked' May Leave You 'Juiced' Published June 19, 2013 By Yolanda Arrington Health.mil FALLS CHURCH, Va., -- Service members looking to get an edge while deployed or to stay in shape once they return home may be lured to supplements claiming to offer bigger, stronger muscles. What many may not know is these testosterone-boosting supplements that promise to get you "stacked" may also contain steroids: an illegal substance under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. While testosterone supplements are legal to civilians and sold online, they are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Patricia Deuster, a professor and scientific director at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, is concerned that testosterone products are marketed to the military with deep discounts offered to service members. Deuster warns that the temporary physical gain from such supplements can harm an entire military career. The military does not routinely test for steroid use, but if a service member is found to be using steroids, it is a criminal offense. As many as half of all dietary supplements sold for muscle-building may contain illegal steroids, Deuster said. "That's a huge concern of ours. The FDA goes after the folks, but there are so many of them, it's hard for the FDA to keep up." Using testosterone-boosting supplements when you don't have a medical condition that requires increased testosterone can come with adverse side effects including liver damage, cardiac problems, enlarged breast tissue and aggression issues. Deuster cautions that men should not watch a commercial and diagnose themselves as having low testosterone levels. Doctors can diagnose and recommend treatment for men with low testosterone, or "low T," levels. In those cases, they're prescribed a topical gel or deodorant - not a supplement- to balance their hormones, she said. "Young people don't always consider the long-term risks," Deuster said. "They see themselves as invincible and if they can get an edge for a while when they are in the deployed setting, that's all they care about at that time, regardless of the side effects. "I would very much discourage the use of any of these supplements unless they know they've been tested and are free of illegal ingredients," she said. "It's just not worth it and they're usually very expensive." The DoD does not endorse supplements for service members. Instead, they are encouraged to eat a nutrient-rich diet, exercise often, get plenty of rest and consult a physician if you believe you need an over-the-counter supplement. Visit Operation Supplement Safety to ask an expert about supplement use. The DoD'sOperation Live Well initiative offers resources and tips for improved diet and overall wellness. Health Care [News]