Why Most Supplements are Worthless (And Which Five are Worth the Cost)

There are hundreds of supplements on the market - all with promising claims for faster finish times, quicker recovery, and better health. But are all supplements worth the cost? We analyze the most recent research to divide popular supplements into three categories: not worth the cost, maybe useful for some, and highly recommended. (Disclaimer: this episode does not serve as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional before starting a new supplement.)

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In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Supplements that are a waste of money

✅ Supplements that are sometimes useful, but do have risks

✅ Why creatine supplementation is beneficial for runners

✅ When vitamin D, iron, and other micronutrient vitamins may be beneficial

✅ The most research-backed performance-enhancing supplemen

t✅ If omega-3 supplements are beneficial for runners

✅ Why third-party testing matters

References

PMID: 40650376

🔬https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12258207/

🔬PMID: 36767593

🔬PMID: 38999792

🔬PMID: 39803224

🔬PMID: 39810703

🔬PMID: 39408214

Tread Lightly Running is hosted and researched by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Production, show notes, and graphics by Laura Norris.

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