{"id":225,"date":"2021-06-15T18:17:03","date_gmt":"2021-06-15T18:17:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.joggo.run\/?p=225"},"modified":"2024-01-22T13:09:50","modified_gmt":"2024-01-22T13:09:50","slug":"runners-supplements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-supplements\/","title":{"rendered":"Supplements for Runners: From Fat Burning to Recovery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Do runners need supplements? Or is it all just marketing hype?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can get all the nutrients you need to be a great runner through a <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/diet-for-runners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">careful diet<\/a>. But it\u2019s not always possible to stick to a healthy diet\u2014work, stress, and other factors can get in the way. And let\u2019s not forget that nutrient absorption varies from runner to runner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Supplements can be a valuable addition to your runner\u2019s life during <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/best-running-training-methods\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/best-running-training-methods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">training<\/a> and before and after events. Not just any supplements, but those scientifically proven to benefit endurance athletes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The right mix of nutrients can also double as <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-diet-for-weight-loss-and-endurance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">weight loss<\/a> supplements, helping you shed extra pounds while improving your running time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you want to get even faster? Speed up recovery time? Increase your stamina and build muscle?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some nutrients are more important for runners than others. Looking past the marketing claims at the scientific evidence behind running nutrition will help you get the most out of supplements for runners without side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_56_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >In This Article:<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-supplements\/#why-use-running-supplements\" title=\"Why Use Running Supplements?\">Why Use Running Supplements?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-supplements\/#supplements-for-runners-you-should-consider\" title=\"Supplements for Runners You Should Consider\">Supplements for Runners You Should Consider<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-supplements\/#vitamin-d\" title=\"Vitamin D\">Vitamin D<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-supplements\/#protein\" title=\"Protein\">Protein<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-supplements\/#omega-3\" title=\"Omega-3\">Omega-3<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-supplements\/#iron\" title=\"Iron\">Iron<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-supplements\/#electrolytes\" title=\"Electrolytes\">Electrolytes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-supplements\/#nitrate\" title=\"Nitrate\">Nitrate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-supplements\/#caffeine\" title=\"Caffeine\">Caffeine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-supplements\/#probiotics\" title=\"Probiotics\">Probiotics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-supplements\/#bcaas-branched-chain-amino-acids\" title=\"BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids)\">BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-supplements\/#glutamine\" title=\"Glutamine\">Glutamine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-supplements\/#l-carnitine\" title=\"L-Carnitine\">L-Carnitine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-supplements\/#vitamin-c\" title=\"Vitamin C\">Vitamin C<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-supplements\/#creatine\" title=\"Creatine\">Creatine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-supplements\/#key-takeaways-%e2%80%93-an-individual-approach-to-running-supplements\" title=\"Key Takeaways \u2013 An Individual Approach to Running Supplements\">Key Takeaways \u2013 An Individual Approach to Running Supplements<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"why-use-running-supplements\"><\/span>Why Use Running Supplements?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you consider supplements, it\u2019s normal to have a lot of questions like\u2026&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do supplements for runners actually work? Should runners take joint supplements? Can supplements reduce inflammation, help with workout recovery, and <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/sleep-impact-running\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">improve sleep<\/a>, as some claim?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And it\u2019s totally okay to be on the fence about it. Because there are <em>a lot <\/em>of claims out there.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But there\u2019s also a lot of science backing runners supplements, including the<a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/ExerciseAndAthleticPerformance-HealthProfessional\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> NIH\u2019s fact sheet on Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance<\/a>. But as we\u2019ll see, more is not always better.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, too much Vitamin C won\u2019t directly improve performance but may cause runner\u2019s trots, cramps, nausea, and other side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The short of it is that <strong>runners supplements have real benefits<\/strong>. They help your body better absorb nutrients, promote a <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/run-recovery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">speedy recovery<\/a>, and may even prevent runner\u2019s trots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Running and nutrition are closely linked. Like all athletes, runners who care about their performance value their nutrition too. If you\u2019re more likely to speed past McDonald\u2019s than stop for a burger, you\u2019re one of them. And that means adding runners supplements to your to-do list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what runners supplements actually work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"supplements-for-runners-you-should-consider\"><\/span>Supplements for Runners You Should Consider<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.humankinetics.com\/view\/journals\/ijsnem\/29\/2\/article-p73.xml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IAAF guidelines for athletic nutrition<\/a> make it clear that runners have <strong>special nutritional requirements<\/strong>, including a <strong>higher daily protein intake<\/strong> compared to the general adult population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it\u2019s not a question of loading yourself with generic supplements. Also, IAAF guidelines stress that performance improvements differ for each supplement and individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, while caffeine and nitrate\/beetroot juice may marginally improve performance across all types of running including <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-long-does-it-take-to-train-for-marathon\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-long-does-it-take-to-train-for-marathon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">marathons<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/good-half-marathon-time-for-beginner-intermediate-and-advanced-runners\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/good-half-marathon-time-for-beginner-intermediate-and-advanced-runners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">half-marathons<\/a>, beta-alanine and bicarbonate seem to offer little improvement for endurance races.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where does this leave you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Only those supplements for runners that are carefully formulated with scientific sports nutrition guidelines in mind pack minerals that your body can actually benefit from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, let\u2019s explore what goes into the best runners supplements for weight loss, recovery, and endurance. Taking these regularly will improve your athletic performance while helping you burn fat and build muscle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"vitamin-d\"><\/span>Vitamin D<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the<a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/VitaminD-HealthProfessional\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> NIH Vitamin Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet<\/a>, Vitamin D3 (calciferol) or \u201cthe sunshine vitamin\u201d is not likely to increase your running performance. But it\u2019s <strong>essential for bone health.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Running puts pressure on your leg bones, increasing the risk for stress fractures. Vitamin D3 deficiency may particularly affect female long-distance runners, possibly increasing the risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vitamin D3 tops the list of vitamins female athletes should take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"protein\"><\/span>Protein<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Is protein supplementation necessary if you\u2019re eating meat and a protein-rich diet? It depends on how many proteins you\u2019re taking in, and their type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Protein helps your body recover after running. It\u2019s crucial for building and maintaining the lean muscle that you need to run at your best.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cambridge.org\/core\/journals\/british-journal-of-nutrition\/article\/dietary-protein-its-role-in-satiety-energetics-weight-loss-and-health\/CCA49F7254E34FF25FD08A78A05DECD7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Dietary protein can also aid with weight loss<\/a> by increasing satiety and optimizing energy expenditure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that your running mileage increases your protein requirements, which can make it challenging to get enough healthy dietary protein from your diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to IAAF guidelines, while 1.3-1.7g\/kg BM\/day of protein is optimal, anything above 2.5 g\/kg\/BM\/day \u201coffers no adaptive advantage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also important to remember the strengths of each type of protein. Take whey and casein, both of which are found in milk.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.physiology.org\/doi\/full\/10.1152\/japplphysiol.00076.2009\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Whey protein acts faster on protein synthesis<\/a> than casein or soy, making it a safe choice for quick protein replenishment and recovery after intense training.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/9405716\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Casein is digested more slowly<\/a>, reducing the protein breakdown rate in your body and supplying your muscle cells with a steady supply of amino acids. This makes casein very effective for muscle growth and long-term recovery.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Collagen powder is another supplement you may want to consider. Collagen, which makes up about 1\/3 of your total body protein, maintains your body\u2019s mobility and flexibility and can protect joints and soft tissues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, to sum up: <strong>protein is good for runners, but you have to watch your doses<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What about protein shakes? Is it good to drink protein shakes after running? <strong>Yes. <\/strong>Protein shakes <strong>give your body amino acids<\/strong> from which to rebuild proteins.&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, studies show that<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25088029\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> polyphenol-enriched protein powder<\/a> can protect your body from virus and bacteria infection after intensive training, when the risk for <em>Escherichia coli<\/em> or <em>Staphylococcus aureus<\/em> infections is higher than normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"omega-3\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/benefits-of-omega-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Omega-3<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s11883-004-0087-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory<\/a>, making them an important recovery supplement for runners. At the same time,<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24368552\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Omega-3 fatty acids can protect against airway inflammation<\/a> caused by high-fat meals. Keeping your lungs healthy is crucial to being a fast runner, and these healthy fats help with that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not sure which to choose between fish oil or Krill oil?<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/25884846\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Studies<\/a> suggest that krill oil has more antioxidants and is better absorbed by the body. But fish oil is more affordable and widely available. At the end of the day, both are good sources of Omega-3.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re vegetarian or vegan, flaxseed oil is another rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids and is<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/25889554\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> good for gastrointestinal health<\/a> too.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"iron\"><\/span>Iron<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Red blood cells transport oxygen to your muscles and lungs, and iron helps the body make them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you run, you lose iron through sweat, the intestines, as well as when <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/running-foot-strike\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">your feet strike<\/a> the ground, which damages red blood cells in the feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Female runners also lose iron during menstruation. <a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1111\/j.0954-6820.1981.tb11598.x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Runner&#8217;s Anemia caused by iron deficiency<\/a> affects predominantly female long-distance runners, though it can affect males as well.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath. Running with runner\u2019s anemia can significantly lower your performance. Iron then is a must-have runners supplement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"electrolytes\"><\/span>Electrolytes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re training or competing, you lose electrolytes through sweat. As a result, you may get <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-prevent-cramps-while-running\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-prevent-cramps-while-running\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cramps<\/a> because the muscle cells won\u2019t be able to properly control muscle contraction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Electrolytes include essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and zinc. You want to add these to your list of key runners supplements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can tap into the <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18607226\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">performance-boosting effects of sodium bicarbonate<\/a> by taking it up to 3 hours before you exercise in a dose of up to 300mg\/kg. But note that effects can vary from individual to individual. You won\u2019t know whether it works for you until you try it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"nitrate\"><\/span>Nitrate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another compound that may enhance your performance is <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24791915\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dietary nitrate<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your body transforms nitrate into nitric oxide, which may improve blood flow, <a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/jn\/article\/143\/6\/818\/4571708\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reduce blood pressure<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/journals.physiology.org\/doi\/full\/10.1152\/japplphysiol.00372.2013\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">boost stamina and performance<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beetroot, a rich source of nitrate, can be good for buffering the acids that intense training creates in the body.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"caffeine\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/caffeine-for-runners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Caffeine<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Caffeine is great for energy and a key constituent of most fat burn supplements. As it turns out, it\u2019s also a smart choice as a runners supplement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Caffeine <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30039986\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">increase running performance<\/a> while also reducing the perception of pain in the lower legs. It can keep you going for longer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A dose of 4 mg caffeine\/kg may improve your athletic performance. That said, <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29509641\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the effect of caffeine on endurance performance may depend on your genotype<\/a>, and specifically, on the CYP1A2 gene affecting caffeine metabolism.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Time your runs before and after taking a caffeine supplement to best gauge its effect on your body.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"probiotics\"><\/span>Probiotics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote gut health. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/diseases-and-conditions\/the-gut-brain-connection#:~:text=The%20brain%20has%20a%20direct,send%20signals%20to%20the%20gut.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gut-brain connection<\/a> works two ways\u2014an unhealthy intestine can cause stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can affect your running performance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, probiotics may have specific benefits for runners. Intensive exercise causes mild damage to the cells lining the intestinal wall, which can lead to leaky gut syndrome, which is as unpleasant as it sounds.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s solid evidence that taking a probiotic for 14 weeks <a href=\"https:\/\/jissn.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12970-019-0329-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reduces gastrointestinal problems<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"bcaas-branched-chain-amino-acids\"><\/span>BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>BCAAs are essential amino acids that your body needs to build muscle, transport nutrients, and carry out other essential functions. When doing resistance training, taking a BCAAs supplement <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3313152\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">increases muscle strength, muscle mass, and promotes fat loss<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, it can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3313152\/\">reduce low-to-moderate muscle damage<\/a> caused by training\u2014provided you take it <em>before<\/em> training!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To get the most out of BCAAs, you need a daily intake of over 200 mg \/kg for at least 10 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"glutamine\"><\/span>Glutamine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another amino acid, glutamine plays an important role in the immune system, protein building, and gut health. Glutamine is sometimes marketed as a muscle gain supplement, but there\u2019s just not enough evidence to support that claim.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, studies show it can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/18059593\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reduce muscle soreness and fatigue during running<\/a>, making it one of the more important recovery supplements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"l-carnitine\"><\/span>L-Carnitine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>L-Carnitine occurs naturally in our bodies, where it helps turn fat into energy. Almost all of it is stored in muscles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may have also come across Acetyl L-Carnitine. What\u2019s the difference between L-Carnitine and Acetyl L-Carnitine? Acetyl L-Carnitine is another type of Carnitine that is better absorbed in the gut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>L-Carnitine is often part of fat burner supplements and promoted for its weight loss functions and as an <a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/Carnitine-HealthProfessional\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">exercise performance enhancer<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Long-term use of L-Carnitine may also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/11788381\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">speed up exercise recovery<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/18545197\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">improve the supply of oxygen to your muscles<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"vitamin-c\"><\/span>Vitamin C<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Vitamin C <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/10799377\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">significantly improves iron absorption<\/a>, making it a key aid in preventing iron deficiency, a condition which we\u2019ve seen may affect especially women runners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, Vitamin C is <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24796079\/\" target=\"_blank\">essential for wound healing in the body<\/a>, and could help you heal from <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/common-foot-injuries-for-runners\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/common-foot-injuries-for-runners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">injuries<\/a> you incur during training. If you\u2019re training for a long-distance run over several months, <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/running-injury-prevention-for-beginner-runners\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/running-injury-prevention-for-beginner-runners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">injuries can be hard to avoid<\/a>, so keep an eye on your Vitamin C intake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, this vitamin is a strong immune booster that can help reduce the risk for infections after intensive training.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"creatine\"><\/span>Creatine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Last but not least among recovery supplements is creatine, which occurs naturally in muscle cells. Creatine is a popular supplement commonly taken for <a href=\"https:\/\/d.docs.live.net\/191bce85ec222489\/Desktop\/Creatine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gaining muscle mass<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It can also help you <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/12701815\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">recover faster<\/a> after training. Creatine works by boosting your muscles\u2019 energy and promoting muscle growth through changes in cell function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"key-takeaways-%e2%80%93-an-individual-approach-to-running-supplements\"><\/span>Key Takeaways \u2013 An Individual Approach to Running Supplements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Science makes it clear\u2014supplements for runners can actually work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nutrients like proteins, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are essential for runners to maintain their health and improve their performance.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other items like probiotics and caffeine are also helpful for runners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, what supplements one needs and in what quantity may vary depending on individual needs and goals. It\u2019s always best to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do runners need supplements? Or is it all just marketing hype? You can get all the nutrients you need to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":4333,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"11","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,11],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/225"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=225"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/225\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4334,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/225\/revisions\/4334"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4333"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=225"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=225"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}