
Why Most Supplements are Worthless (And Which Five are Worth the Cost)
From Tread Lightly Running Science Podcast by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris
March 7, 2026 · 45 min · Episode 158
About this episode
The episode analyzes the value of various supplements for runners based on recent research.
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.) Thank you to our sponsors: ✨ Amazfit : User-friendly simple running watches with advanced features, at an affordable price point. Use link http://bit.ly/4nai73H for 10% off your purchase. ✨ Probio : NSF-certified, clinically dosed, all-in-one supplement. Use this link for 40% off your order and an additional 10% and free shipping on a subscription. ✨Join us on Patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning or subscribe on Apple Podcasts for special subscriber-only content! 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…
People in this episode
Hosts: Amanda Brooks, Laura Norris
Topics covered
- supplements
- running performance
- health
- nutrition
- research analysis
Keywords
- supplements
- running
- creatine
- vitamin D
- iron
- omega-3
- performance enhancement
- health
- recovery
Sponsors
Amazfit, Probio
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Patreon, Apple Podcasts
Products: creatine, vitamin D, iron, omega-3
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