Supplements are used by millions of Americans every day.
There are supplements that claim to assist with everything from ailments and weight loss to increasing cognitive abilities.
Although some supplements may not be illegal, they may not pass the military’s strict rules on supplement use.
Supplements are heavily regulated by the FDA and often contain approved or non-approved ingredients.
The Department of Defense follows FDA regulations and requires soldiers to do the same.
Supplements may be banned because of FDA regulation, the supplement’s side effects, or for other reasons.
You can find military-banned supplements list for 2023 below.
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1. Acacia rigidula
What is it?
More commonly known as Blackbrush, Acacia rigdula is a stimulant that is native to southwest Texas and northern parts of Mexico.
It is used and marketed as both a weight loss supplement, as well as a supplement that works to increase your athletic performance or for bodybuilding.
Why did the military ban it?
Since the FDA hasn’t classified it as an official dietary ingredient, it’s been deemed illegal for use.
Additionally, several manufacturers of supplements that contain the ingredient Acacia rigidula have been caught illegally injecting BMPEA into their supplements.
As a result, products containing this specific ingredient have been considered “adulterated.”
Common Supplements containing Acacia Rigidula:
- Beta-Stim by Ronnie Coleman
- some Green Coffee Bean Extract+Energy supplements
Learn more about Acacia Rigidula:
https://www.opss.org/article/acacia-rigidula-it-legal
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1411/acacia-rigidula
2. Aconite
What is it?
Aconite, also known as Wolfsbane, is a plant that is commonly used in traditional medicines.
It is marketed as being able to improve certain heart conditions and nerve or joint pain.
Why did the military ban it?
All species of Aconite contain a strong, fast-acting poison.
This poison is harmful when ingesting the root itself, a processed product or rubbed on the skin.
Aconite is currently in the FDA’s Poisonous Plant Database and is noted as needing strict surveillance of the product after several deaths.
Common Supplements containing Aconite:
- Fu Zi Aconite (sold as an herb to be ground up in a supplement)
Learn more about Aconite:
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-609/aconite
https://www.cfsanappsexternal.fda.gov/scripts/plantox/detail.cfm?id=26748
3. Aegeline
What is it?
Aegeline, also known as Bael, is found naturally on the Aegle marmelos tree or can be created synthetically.
It is currently marketed as a weight-loss or muscle-building supplement.
Why did the military ban it?
The FDA has not recognized Aegeline as a legitimate ingredient in dietary supplements.
The ingredient has been linked with cases of acute liver injury.
The FDA issued warning letters against supplements containing Aegeline stating that they were adulterated.
Common Supplements containing Aegeline:
- OxyELITE Pro
- Versa-1
Learn more about Aegeline:
https://www.opss.org/article/aegeline-why-it-problem
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4. Aromatase Inhibitors
What is it?
Aromatase Inhibitors are also known as Arimistane and ATD. The drug prevents testosterone from being converted to estrogen.
They are used to maintain testosterone levels and to increase muscle.
Why did the military ban it?
Aromatase Inhibitors are drugs that are used for the treatment of breast and ovarian cancer and should not be an ingredient in supplements for this reason.
They are prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency and are on the Department of Defense’s prohibited ingredients list.
Common Supplements containing Aromatase Inhibitors :
- Arom-X
Learn more about Aromatase Inhibitors:
https://www.opss.org/article/aromatase-inhibitors-can-military-service-members-use-them
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5. BMPEA
What is it?
BMPEA is a synthetic supplement. It was created to possibly replace amphetamine.
It is a stimulant that can have effects on the central nervous system.
Supplements with this ingredient advertise energy and loss of appetite.
Why did the military ban it?
It is banned because it does not currently meet the definition of a dietary substance and in turn, is illegal to use as one.
BMPEA is often labeled as Acacia rigidula on labels and is currently considered misbranded.
BMPEA is not an extract of Acacia rigidula.
Common Supplements containing BMPEA:
- Fastin-XR
- Critical FX
- Core Burner
Learn more about BMPEA:
https://www.opss.org/article/bmpea-prohibited-ingredient
https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplement-products-ingredients/bmpea-dietary-supplements
6. Cannabidiol
What is it?
Cannabidiol is known as CBD. It can be made synthetically or found in the plant Cannabis sativa (marijuana, hemp).
The product is marketed to assist ailments from many illnesses.
Why did the military ban it?
The FDA states that CBD products cannot be sold as dietary supplements, so products advertised as dietary supplements are illegal.
Also, the military has banned any use of products containing CBD under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Common Supplements containing Cannabidiol:
- CBD Pain Relief Cream
- CBD Softgel-Anti-Inflammation
Learn more about Cannabidiol:
https://www.opss.org/article/cannabidiol-are-products-cbd-legal
7. DMAA
What is it?
DMAA, or 1,3-dimethylamylamine, was originally developed as a nasal decongestant but has similar effects to amphetamine (stimulant).
Research shows that it narrows blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
It is marketed in supplements as a performance enhancer and for weight loss.
Why did the military ban it?
The military banned DMAA because the Department of Defense follows the FDA guidelines.
The FDA banned its use in supplements in 2013. It is also considered a readiness risk.
Common Supplements containing DMAA:
- Absolute Pump
- D-Cut
- Swole Labs Assiduous
Learn more about DMAA:
https://www.opss.org/article/dmaa-prohibited-stimulant
8. DMBA
What is it?
DMBA, also known as 1,3-dimethylbutylamine or AMP Citrate, is a stimulant similar to DMAA.
The drug is found in pre-workout and weight-loss supplements.
It has potentially dangerous side effects.
Why did the military ban it?
This drug is not approved for use in dietary supplements by the FDA.
The safety of the health effects has not been thoroughly studied.
It is illegal in supplements and therefore banned by the military.
Common Supplements containing DMBA:
- EVOL
- Contraband
Learn more about DMBA:
https://www.opss.org/article/dmba-another-prohibited-stimulant
https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplement-products-ingredients/dmba-dietary-supplements
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9. DMHA
What is it?
DMHA is used as a dietary ingredient in supplements.
Other names include Octodrine and 1,5-DMHA. It is considered a stimulant and can have adverse effects.
Why did the military ban it?
The military banned DMHA because it is a new dietary ingredient lacking evidence for safe use, therefore it is banned for use in supplements by the FDA.
Common Supplements containing DMHA:
- Lean Pills
- Pre-Workout Relentless V1
Learn more about DMHA:
10. Ephedra
What is it?
Ephedra is also known as Ephedrine and ephedra alkaloids.
This product is sold as a weight-loss supplement and poses a risk of serious health effects such as heart attack.
Why did the military ban it?
This product cannot be legally sold or marketed in the United States because of a regulation that states ephedrine alkaloids are adulterated.
The military banned it for this reason.
Common Supplement containing Ephedra:
- Megadrine
Learn more about Ephedra:
https://www.opss.org/article/ephedra-why-it-illegal
11. HCG
What is it?
HCG, or Human chorionic gonadotropin, is a prescription drug used to treat female infertility and hormonal treatment in males.
It is advertised as a weight loss agent.
Why did the military ban it?
It is banned by the military because it is not approved by the FDA for any other uses besides the prescribed uses mentioned above and cannot be sold over the counter.
Common Supplements containing HCG:
- HCG Diet Homeopathic Drops
- HCG Platinum
- HCG Fusion
Learn more about HCG:
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/medication-health-fraud/questions-and-answers-hcg-products-weight-loss
https://www.opss.org/article/hcg-it-legal-supplement
12. Hemp
What is it?
Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species and is used to make a diverse range of products.
Why did the military ban it?
It’s not possible to determine through a urinalysis test if THC is from legal hemp products or illicit marijuana, so it’s banned altogether.
Common Supplements containing Hemp:
- Organic Hemp protein
- Hemp oil capsules
Learn more about Hemp:
https://www.opss.org/infographic/dod-memo-policy-hemp
13. HGH
What is it?
HGH is a prescription drug that is also known as human growth hormone used to treat children with growth disorders and adults with other issues.
It is marketed over the counter for uses such as anti-aging.
Why did the military ban it?
This is a prescription medication that is only approved through the FDA for doctor-prescribed licit use.
All other illicit uses are banned.
Learn more about HGH:
https://www.opss.org/article/hgh-human-growth-hormone-it-legal
https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/hgh.pdf
14. IGF
What is it?
Insulin-like growth factor type 1, or IGF, is a hormone produced in the liver or in colostrum.
It is advertised as performance-enhancing. Synthetic IGF-1 is a prescribed drug.
Why did the military ban it?
IGF is banned as a synthetic drug because it is a prescription that does not have FDA approval for other uses, such as supplement use.
It is also banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Learn more about IGF:
https://www.opss.org/article/igf-1-it-banned
15. Isopropylnorsynephrine
What is it?
Isopropylnorsynephrine, known more simply as Betaphrine, does not currently meet the FDA’s definition of a dietary ingredient.
Why did the military ban it?
There is lacking evidence on the safety of the product and there have been reported heart issues related to its use.
It is currently not legal for use in a supplement.
Common Supplements containing Isopropylnorsynephrine:
- Dexaprine XR
- Friction
Learn more about Isopropylnorsynephrine:
https://www.regulations.gov/document/FDA-2005-S-0518-0010
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21336650/
16. Kratom
What is it?
Kratom, known as Mitragyna speciosa korth, is a tropical tree from Southeast Asia.
It is used as a herbal drug but is also marketed as a dietary supplement.
Why did the military ban it?
Kratom will not give a positive result on a routine DoD test, but it is discouraged from use by the military because of its safety concerns relating to side effects, potential death, or addiction.
Common Supplements containing Kratom:
- Kratom Werks
Learn more about Kratom:
https://www.opss.org/article/kratom-and-drug-testing
17. Methylsynephrine
What is it?
Methylsynephrine, also known as Oxilofrine, is used in dietary supplements and can have effects as a stimulant.
It is generally advertised as a vitamin.
Why did the military ban it?
This product does not meet the FDA’s definition of a dietary supplement ingredient, and any supplement product containing this ingredient is considered adulterated and illegal.
Common Supplements containing Methylsnephrine:
- Thermobombs
Learn more about Methylsnephrine:
https://www.opss.org/article/methylsynephrine-illegal-ingredient
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18. Phenibut
What is it?
Phenibut is a synthetic drug that is sold for uses such as sleep and reducing stress.
It is a drug (that is not naturally occurring) that was developed in Russia and Latvia where it is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions.
Why did the military ban it?
It is banned because it does not meet the FDA’s definition of an acceptable dietary substance and is illegal to be marketed as one.
Common Supplements containing Phenibut:
- Atomixx Limitless
Learn more about Phenibut:
https://www.opss.org/article/phenibut-it-okay-take
https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplement-products-ingredients/phenibut-dietary-supplements
19. Picamilon
What is it?
Picamilon, also known as Pikatropin, is a prescription drug in Russia made of a combination of niacin and GABA.
It was developed as a treatment for neural conditions and is marketed as a nootropic (cognitive enhancer) dietary supplement.
Why did the military ban it?
Picamilon is banned because it is not an approved drug in the U.S. and does not meet the FDA’s description of a dietary supplement ingredient.
Products with this ingredient are considered misbranded and illegal.
Common Supplements containing Picamilon:
- DBM Endurance World Champion Countess
- Pump Igniter
Learn more about Picamilon:
https://www.opss.org/article/picamilon-another-illegal-ingredient
https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplement-products-ingredients/picamilon-dietary-supplements
20. Racetams
What is it?
Racetams are actually a family of non-naturally occurring substances whose use dates back to as early as 1960.
They are synthetic drugs that are most commonly marketed as nootropics.
Why did the military ban it?
They are banned because they do not meet the FDA’s definition of an approved supplement ingredient.
Common Supplements containing Racetams:
- Piracetam
- Aniracetam
- Oxiracetam
Learn more about Racetams:
https://www.opss.org/article/nootropics-drugs-or-supplements
21. Redotex
What is it?
Redotex is a brand-name drug manufactured in Mexico that has been sold in the U.S. as a weight loss supplement.
Why did the military ban it?
This drug contains a DEA Controlled Substance that will cause a positive drug test in addition to being a misbranded and illegal unapproved new drug in the U.S.
Common Supplements containing Redotex:
- Redotex
Learn more about Redotex:
https://www.opss.org/article/weight-loss-prescription-drugs-redotex
22. Salvia divinorum
What is it?
Salvia divinorum, also known as Sally D, has three common forms Salvia divinorum, Salvia hispanica, and Salvia miltiorrhiza.
A plant native to Mexico and Central America, Salvia divinorum contains a powerful, naturally occurring hallucinogenic agent.
Why did the military ban it?
Although it is not currently a controlled substance, it is banned because of its effects and because it does not have an approved medical use.
Common Supplements containing Salvia Divinorum:
- Salvia with MSV
- Red Sage
- Dan Shen
Learn more about Salvia Divinorum:
https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/salvia_d.pdf#search=salvia%20divinorum
https://www.opss.org/article/salvia-and-drug-testing
23. SARMs
What is it?
Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARM) are synthetic drugs that have a similar effect to testosterone.
They are being marketed to bodybuilders, and are in many cases used for both cutting and bulking prior to a competition.
Why did the military ban it?
It is banned by the military because it is unapproved for human use by the FDA and does not meet dietary supplement regulations.
It is also banned by the NCAA and WADA.
Common Supplements containing SARMs:
- Ostarine (MK-2866)
- Ligandrol (LGD-4033)
- Ibutamoren (MK-677)
- Testolone (RAD-140)
- Cardarine (GW-50156)
- Andarine S4
- YK-11
- Stenabolic (SR9009)
- SR9011
- GW0742
- S23
- ACP-105
- LGD 3303
Learn more about SARMs:
https://www.opss.org/article/sarms-whats-harm
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24. Tianeptine
What is it?
Tianeptine is also known as Tianaa or Tianeptine sulfate and is a prescription drug in other countries.
It is used to treat opioid addictions.
Why did the military ban it?
This ingredient is banned because it does not meet the FDA’s definition of a dietary ingredient, it is an unsafe food additive and a non-U.S. drug with adverse effects.
Common Supplements containing Tianeptine:
- Vicaine
- Tianaa Red
- Tianaa White
Learn more about Tianeptine:
https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplement-products-ingredients/tianeptine-dietary-supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Peptides Banned By The Military?
We have done in-depth research to determine if peptides are not allowed to be used by military personnel.
With that said, we could not find an accurate answer. It’s likely that peptides are in fact banned from the military, but until we get a straight answer we’ll leave this question open-ended.
Here’s a list of potentially banned peptides:
- Adipotide FTPP
- AOD-9604
- BPC-157
- CJC-1295 DAC
- Epitalon (Epithalon)
- Hexarelin
- Ipamorelin
- Melanotan 2
- TB-500
- Thymosin Alpha-1
- Thymosin Beta-4
- IGF-1 LR3
- LL-37
- Tesamorelin
References
See Also
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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