List of Supplements For Running
Unlike sports like bodybuilding, sprinting or powerlifting, running is a sports that generally does not have much involvement in the supplement world. Running is an endurance sport, so the need for muscle growth is minimal. As a runner you can probably get through most of your running career without taking a single supplement.
The claims made for some supplements are seriously far-fetched, but a handful of others have grabbed the attention of scientists as well as athletes because studies have shown promising results. Here is a list of supplements that may be beneficial to runners.
Supplements for runners:
- Androstenedione
- Branched-Chain Amino Acids
- Calcium
- Carbohydrate (dextrose and complex carbohydrate supplements)
- Chromium
- Creatine
- Fat Blockers
- Fat Burners
- Fish Oil
- Folate (Folic Acid)
- Ginseng
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate
- Glutamine
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Phytochemicals
- Pyruvate
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Whey Protein
- Zinc
The main supplements that we want to highlight from this list that we think would be of most benefit to runners are whey protein, glutamine, fish oil, creatine and glucosamine. The other supplements in that list are maybes, they would only benefit you if you’re deficient or you have medical conditions.
Whey protein is one of the most underestimated and overlooked supplement for endurance exercises. All athletes can benefit from whey. It’s the fastest digesting of any protein source, has a complete amino acids profile for muscle recovery and helps prevent muscle breakdown after stressful training. This is why runners can really benefit from whey protein supplements, even if it’s only taken after a running session.
Good luck in your training!