Both extremes miss the truth, which lies in the middle, according to Stefan Pasiakos, PhD, FASN, FACSM, director of Human Performance Optimization at Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University, who is set to present at the upcoming Sports & Active Nutrition Summit (SANS) to be held from Feb. 18 to 20 in San Diego.
“Dietary supplements should neither be glorified nor demonized,” he told NutraIngredients ahead of the summit. “Their use should be guided by context, such as individual needs, deployment to locations where food availability and desire to eat are limited, periods of arduous training where food intake is intentionally limited, recovery from injury, fatiguing missions, or supporting everyday nutrition and training demands.”
In his talk, Dr. Pasiakos will examine Department of Defense-wide survey data on supplement use including prevalence, types, motivations and demographic trends (service members want and use dietary supplements). He will also spotlight current research on essential amino acids, ketone esters and beta-alanine, focusing on their potential roles in maintaining homeostasis and sustaining performance under physically and mentally demanding conditions. The presentation will conclude by identifying opportunities for new science and outlining strategies to improve education and guidance for warfighters on the safe and effective use of dietary supplements.
Known for his work on nutrition and dietary supplements, muscle physiology, human performance, resilience and bioenergetics of exercise metabolism, Dr. Pasiakos’ research has influenced understanding of dietary protein requirements, muscle maintenance under stress and supplement strategy for both military personnel and broader populations.
As professor and director of the Center for Human Performance Optimization at Pennington Biomedical Research Center (PBRC), he leads research and initiatives in physiology, nutrition, neuroscience and technology to develop practical solutions to optimize human performance in U.S. military personnel, astronauts and elite athletes in real-world scenarios of multi-domain, high-stakes conditions.
Prior to joining PBRC, he served as director of the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health from July 2023 to April 2025 and previously held several senior leadership positions at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) where he focused on military nutrition and operational effectiveness.
Dr. Pasiakos received his PhD in nutritional science in 2008 from the University of Connecticut. He also holds an MA from Adelphi University and BS Southern Connecticut State University in exercise physiology. In 2012, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Miliary Nutrition Division at the USARIEM as a United States Army Medical Service Corps officer.
Sports & Active Nutrition Summit 2026
The 8th annual Sports & Active Nutrition Summit hosted by NutraIngredients will gather leading brands, retailers, scientists and innovators shaping the future of active nutrition at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines in San Diego from Feb. 18 to 20 to explore the latest in science, ingredients, formats and innovation in the space.
Three days of presentations and panel discussions will explore topics including the state of the market, U.S. regulatory landscape, cellular health, muscle mass support in older consumers, women’s health, tactical active nutrition and artificial intelligence.
For more information or to register, visit the Sports & Active Nutrition Summit conference page.
