3 Best Supplements for Runners

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Best Supplements for Runners

Running is a great way to stay in shape, but it can be tough on your body.

That’s why it’s important to supplement your running routine with the right vitamins and minerals.

In this blog post, we will discuss 3 of the best supplements for runners and endurance athletes.

We’ll also provide tips on how to take them and what benefits they offer.

Keep in mind supplements are lightly regulated by the FDA. Their stated claims have no guarantee. They aren’t cures or treatments for any diseases.

Food is your best source of nutrition, especially for running energy and muscle recovery! Please check with your doctor before starting any supplement program.

Please note we include items that we trust will be useful to our visitors. If you click one of the links on our site, we may get a commission.

If you have questions see the FAQ section below – now let’s dive in!

Best Overall – Fast Fitness Boost by Sport Legs

  • Price = $29.95
  • # of Servings = 120
  • Price per Serving = $0.24
  • Product Reviews = 4.6/5 (2,850 reviews)
  • Serving Size = 1 Capsule per 50 lbs
  • Taste / Absorbability = Unflavored
  • Labeled Effect = Support running
  • Food Allergens = No allergens, very safe
  • Pros = Amazon’s Choice for “sport legs supplements”
  • Cons = Fewer third party reviews

About Fast Fitness Boost

If you’re looking for a safe, healthy way to boost your performance and reduce fatigue, Sport Legs is the perfect solution.

Made with premium European natural-source lactates fermented from sugar beets, plus balanced calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D, Sport Legs is quickly absorbed into your system to give you the energy you need to push harder and longer.

Sport Legs’ Fast Fitness Boost gives your muscles a boost before working out.

The all-natural, FDA-recognized ingredients are safe and effective, and the product is legal for WADA, UCI, USADA and NCAA competition.

Sport Legs is fast-acting, with most users feeling a difference in their muscles’ performance within half an hour.

As Amazon’s Choice for “sport legs supplements”, if you’re looking for an edge during your next workout, Sport Legs’ Fast Fitness Boost is a great solution.

Made by Sport Legs:

According to ReviewMeta.com, Sport Legs has a 4.2/5 average adjusted rating with 5 verified reviews.

  • Start = 2005
  • Revenue = $5 million
  • Employees = 25
  • Third Party Certifications = FDA, GMOs
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.2/5 average adjusted rating with 5 verified reviews

Best Scientific Support – Glucosamine Chondroitin by NutriRise

  • Price = $17.45
  • # of Servings = 30
  • Price per Serving = $0.58
  • Product Reviews = 4.4/5 (5,168 reviews)
  • Serving Size = 3 Capsules
  • Taste / Absorbability = Unflavored
  • Labeled Effect = Enhances joint comfort, supports healthy cartilage
  • Food Allergens = No allergens, very safe
  • Pros = 8 ingredients with lots of scientific support
  • Cons = None

About Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Turmeric

If you’re looking for an advanced formula joint supplement, Glucosamine Chondroitin Complex is perfect for you.

With 8 clinically proven ingredients, including Boswellia, Turmeric, Quercetin, Methionine, MSM, and Bromelain, this supplement provides robust support for bone health.

These ingredients may help support joint comfort and can provide antioxidant support for your immune system.

For example, here is a 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the “Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients”.

Made By NutriRise:

Founded in 2015, according to ReviewMeta.com, NutriRise has got 4.5/5 with 595 verified reviews.

  • Start = 2015
  • Revenue = $5 million
  • Employees = 25
  • Mission = Achieve your goals with the best nutritional products that science can offer
  • Third Party Certifications = GMP, Non-GMO
  • Third Party Reviews = average adjusted rating of 4.5/5 with 595 verified reviews

Best for Fast Joint Pain Relief – Fast-Acting Joint Formula by Life Extension

  • Price = $29.25
  • # of Servings = 30
  • Price per Serving = $0.98
  • Product Reviews = 4.5/5 (121 reviews)
  • Serving Size = 1 Capsule
  • Taste / Absorbability = unflavored
  • Labeled Effect = Helps lubricate & cushion sensitive joint cartilage 
  • Food Allergens = Safe
  • Pros = Good product for runners joints
  • Cons = Higher price per serving

About Fast-Acting Joint Formula

Looking for a formula to relieve your joint discomfort in just a few days?

Fast-Acting Joint Formula is your answer!

This unique triple-action combo of Cynatine FLX, Decursinol-50 and Hyal-Joint works quickly and efficiently to support healthy, comfortable joints.

Not only does it help inhibit inflammation and oxidation, but it also helps lubricate and cushion sensitive joint cartilage. Plus, it promotes healthy joint tissue growth.

If you don’t mind the slightly higher price per serving and want fast acting pain relief for your joints, Fast-Acting Joint Formula is a great solution.

Made by Life Extension:

Life Extension began in 1980 and is still going 40 years later. In 2021 ConsumerLab.com voted Life Extension as #1 Rated Catalog/Internet Merchant. According to ReviewMeta.com, Life Extension’s average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24, 224 verified reviews. 

  • Start = 1980
  • Revenue = $168 million
  • Employees = 500
  • Mission = Achieve your goals with the best nutritional products that science can offer
  • Third Party Certifications = GMP, Non-GMO
  • Third Party Reviews = average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24, 224 reviews

What factors do we use to rank supplements?

1 – Price: What’s the price of the supplement? What’s the cost per serving?

  • At Eating Enlightenment we value quality over price. However, all else being equal, then price comes into consideration. 

2 – Reviews: How many reviews for each product? What’s the average rating? How many third party reviews?

  • We strongly believe in third party reviews. Many supplements for runners list positive reviews on their website, but third party reviews include negative comments. We always go with third party reviews.

3 – Reputation: How reputable is the brand behind the supplement? How long has the brand been around? What’s their mission? 

  • We believe that a company’s intention is highly important and should be one of your top purchasing decision factors.

4 – Taste / Absorption = What’s the taste? How quickly does your body absorb the supplement? Do reviews mention any negative side effects like an upset stomach?

5 – Perceived Therapeutic Effect = What beneficial effects or feelings does this supplement promote?

6 – Food Allergens = Does the company provide allergen info?

7 – Science / Certifications: Does the company list transparent scientific studies on their website? Do third party certifications test the company’s supplement for quality control? How many certifications does the company have?

8 – Pros/Cons: What are the pros and cons of each supplement? How is the supplement unique? For what situations is this supplement best?

Who benefits most from supplements for running?

The sense of accomplishment, the endorphins, the pure joy – it’s addicting. But what many people don’t realize is that running takes a toll on your body.

The impact on your joints can be significant, which is why so many runners turn to supplements, in particular:

  • Runners who are looking to improve their performance
  • Runners who are looking to recover from injury
  • Runners who are looking to prevent injuries
  • Older runners who are looking to maintain their health and mobility

Who may not benefit from running supplements?

Running supplements are not for everyone. In fact, the vast majority of people who are running don’t need supplements to do it safely or effective. In general, you want to be eating a healthy diet before you start thinking about popping pills.

  • People who are new to running
  • People who run for fun
  • Those who want to reduce muscle soreness
  • People who only run occasionally
  • People who are not looking to improve their performance
  • Vegans and vegetarians (most supplements contain animal products)
  • Pregnant women and children (supplements have not been tested for safety in these groups)

Do your research before taking any supplement, particularly if you have any underlying medical conditions. And as always, check with your doctor before starting.

Side effects, risks, dosages

How much is too much?

There is no definitive answer as to how much of a particular supplement you can take before it becomes harmful. It depends on factors such as your age, weight, and overall health. That being said, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. 

Start with the lowest possible dose and increase gradually as needed. And be sure to check with your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.

Some common side effects associated with running supplements include:

  • gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • headaches
  • dizziness
  • trouble sleeping
  • anxiety

As with anything, there are risks involved in taking supplements. Be sure to do your homework!

And one thing I’ve noticed as well, runners tend to be more vegan. Please know that vegans are at greater risk for iron deficiency, so it may be wise to consider a vegan protein powder with iron.

How to improve at running naturally

There are many natural strategies to improve at running, some of them include:

  • Cross training: Incorporate other forms of exercise into your routine to make you a more well-rounded athlete. This will help you improve exercise performance, reduce muscle fatigue and can also help prevent injuries from stress fractures.
  • Proper nutrition: Eating a nutritious diet will give you the energy you need to run your best. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein for amino acids and protein synthesis. And don’t forget to stay hydrated!
  • Rest and recovery: It’s important to allow your body time to recover after a hard run. Get plenty of rest and make sure to stretch and foam roll regularly. This will help your muscle growth tremendously.
  • Positive mindset: Believe in yourself and stay positive throughout your runs. This will help you push through when things get tough.

Next steps

In order to improve their performance, prevent injuries, and recover from injury runners should eat better, sleep more, and cross train.

Dietary supplements can be used as a backup option but should not be relied on exclusively.

You may also want to try other well known supplements runners use, like Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s) or protein powder.

Do your research before starting any supplements and check with your doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions. Leave a comment below about your experience with running supplements!

One final note – be sure to check out our complete database of supplement reviews so you can find the best supplement for your personal situation!

If you don’t know how to research and evaluate supplements, be sure to read our ultimate beginner’s guide to supplements and vitamins so you can do your own research.

About the Author

Jared Levenson is a former binge eating wrestler turned Zen Buddhist Monk, Internal Family Systems counselor and nutrition wellness coach. He's helped hundreds of people through universal meal principles and internal family systems to make peace with food, stop binge eating, and find true health and wholeness.

@jared_levenson

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