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Protein boosters and superbug scares, plus a trending military workout

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 10:37 GMT by Fox News
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Protein Boosters and Superbug Scares: What’s Trending in Military Fitness?

In a curious convergence of health‑and‑fitness trends, two topics that have recently captured the attention of social‑media users and military health officials alike are now being discussed side by side on news sites and in military‑circles: the rise of protein boosters among service members and an alarming “superbug” scare that has rattled a major training installation.

The Fox News article, titled “Protein boosters, superbug scares trending in military workout,” takes a close look at both phenomena, drawing on a viral TikTok clip, statements from Army medical officers, and the latest CDC data on antibiotic‑resistant infections in the armed forces.

1. The Protein‑Booster Trend

Over the past year, the U.S. Army’s nutrition program has been quietly shifting to include more protein supplements—whey protein, branched‑chain amino acids (BCAAs), and pre‑workout “boosters” that contain creatine, beta‑alanine, and caffeine.  The goal, according to the Army’s Nutritional Standards for Personnel, is to help soldiers recover faster and build lean muscle mass after the grueling physical demands of basic training and field exercises.

The article reports that this shift has become an overnight social‑media sensation. A TikTok video featuring a young Marine—wearing a flight‑helmet, mid‑airborne in a parachute—was filmed as he licked a protein “shake” straight from a disposable bottle and then flexed in a gym setting. The clip garnered over 1.5 million views within 48 hours, and the accompanying hashtag, #ProteinPower, trended on Twitter for three days.

In interviews with soldiers, the trend appears to stem from a desire to “be the best” and to recover more quickly after intense training. “I’m in a lot of push‑ups, pull‑ups, and sprint intervals,” says Pvt. Jenna Ramirez, 19, from the 2nd Infantry Regiment. “If I can get a protein shake after, I feel less sore and I can keep training.”

However, the article also points out that these supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way that prescription drugs are. This lack of oversight raises concerns about contamination, inaccurate labeling, and the presence of banned substances. The Army’s Medical Department has begun issuing guidance to troops on how to verify a supplement’s purity, including the use of third‑party testing services such as NSF International and Informed‑Sport.

2. The “Superbug” Scare

The other half of the trend is far more serious. The article recounts a recent incident at Fort Bragg, where an outbreak of MRSA—methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus—was reported among soldiers training in the summer. Within weeks, 45 individuals developed skin and soft‑tissue infections that required hospitalization. According to the Army’s Medical Research Unit, the outbreak was traced back to a contaminated gym mat and a lack of routine cleaning protocols.

The incident sparked a national conversation about antibiotic stewardship in the military. “We’re dealing with a population that is constantly exposed to pathogens in close quarters, on shared equipment, and often in extreme environments,” says Dr. Robert Hayes, a senior officer in the Army Medical Research and Development Command. “When we give out antibiotics indiscriminately, we accelerate the emergence of resistant strains.”

The article cites recent CDC statistics that show a 28 % increase in MRSA infections among U.S. service members from 2022 to 2023, the highest rate in the last decade. The Department of Defense’s “Project Zero” initiative—an effort to eradicate antibiotic‑resistant bacteria in the military—has been ramped up in response to the Fort Bragg outbreak. Measures include enhanced environmental cleaning, mandatory hand‑washing protocols, and the introduction of antimicrobial‑resistant‑specific screening tests for soldiers who present with wound infections.

3. How the Two Trends Intersect

While protein boosters and superbug scares might appear unrelated, the Fox News article ties them together through a broader discussion of health culture on the base. A viral video that juxtaposed a soldier’s “protein‑shake” with a clip of a teammate being treated for MRSA underlines how seemingly unrelated lifestyle choices can intersect in a health‑critical environment.

Experts interviewed in the piece note that the high‑intensity physical exertion associated with military training can lead to micro‑tears in skin and muscle tissue, which, if not properly managed, become entry points for bacteria. In such a setting, the overuse of protein supplements may lead to increased sweat production, and if shared equipment or unclean surfaces are involved, it could create an environment conducive to bacterial spread.

Moreover, Dr. Hayes points out that many athletes—military or otherwise—take protein supplements that may contain trace amounts of antibiotics or other contaminants that are not listed on the label. “There’s a real risk that the supplements themselves could be a vector for resistant bacteria,” he warns.

4. Recommendations for Soldiers and the Military

The article concludes with actionable steps for soldiers and commanding officers:

1. Verify Supplements – Check third‑party certifications and avoid unverified brands.
2. Hygiene First – Wash hands and sanitize shared equipment before and after use.
3. Screen for Infections – Immediate medical attention if any signs of infection appear.
4. Antibiotic Stewardship – Use antibiotics only when prescribed, and complete full courses.
5. Education – Ongoing training on the risks of supplement contamination and infection control.

The Army’s upcoming health‑and‑fitness curriculum now includes a module on “Responsible Supplement Use” and “Infection Prevention in Close‑Quarters Living.” Commanders at all levels are instructed to monitor the implementation of these protocols closely.

5. A Broader Message

In the words of Army Nutrition Officer Lt. Col. Angela Brooks, “We’re not just training soldiers to be physically fit; we’re training them to make smart, health‑conscious decisions.” The intersection of protein‑boosting trends and superbug outbreaks serves as a cautionary tale: when the drive for peak performance collides with the realities of a high‑density living environment, the risk for both over‑supplementation and pathogen exposure rises.

The trending hashtags, viral videos, and media coverage reflect a growing awareness—both on the bases and online—of how personal choices affect collective health. The military’s response, according to the article, is two‑fold: embrace nutrition science while tightening infection control protocols.

For service members, the lesson is clear: a protein booster can help you build muscle faster, but only if you’re also protecting yourself and your comrades from the hidden threat of superbugs. The next time you’re in the gym, remember the balance between power and prevention.