top of page

Evidence-Based Supplementation Strategies for Endurance Athletes


Introduction

Every second counts. Every stride matters. As an endurance athlete, you push your body to extraordinary limits, constantly seeking that edge that separates personal achievement from peak performance. While training, recovery, and proper nutrition form the foundation of athletic success, strategic supplementation can be the difference between hitting the wall and breaking through it.


The supplement industry bombards athletes with promises of enhanced performance, quicker recovery, and superhuman endurance. But which supplements actually deliver results backed by science? How do you cut through the marketing noise to find what truly works?


This comprehensive guide examines evidence-based supplementation strategies specifically designed for endurance athletes. Whether you're training for your first 5K or competing in ultra-marathons, understanding which supplements can genuinely support your performance goals is crucial to optimizing your training regimen.


Essential Supplements for Endurance Performance


Carbohydrates

The foundation of endurance performance relies heavily on carbohydrate availability and utilization. During prolonged exercise, muscle glycogen depletion correlates directly with fatigue, making carbohydrate supplementation a cornerstone of endurance nutrition strategies.

Research Insights: Research consistently demonstrates that carbohydrate consumption during prolonged exercise (>90 minutes) significantly enhances performance. A landmark meta-analysis by Stellingwerff and Cox (2014) showed that carbohydrate ingestion during exercise can improve performance by approximately 2-6% compared to water alone.

Practical Application:

  • For events lasting 1-2.5 hours: 30-60g of carbohydrate per hour

  • For events exceeding 2.5 hours: 60-90g of carbohydrate per hour (using multiple transportable carbohydrates like glucose and fructose)

  • Pre-exercise loading: 7-12g/kg body weight per day for 24-48 hours before competition


Many athletes find success by training their gut by practicing their competition nutrition strategy during training sessions. For those who experience digestive challenges, a mixture of glucose and fructose (2:1 ratio) can increase absorption capacity and enhance tolerance during exercise, as noted by Jeukendrup (2014).


Caffeine

Perhaps the most widely used ergogenic aid globally, caffeine has robust evidence supporting its performance-enhancing effects for endurance athletes.

Research Insights: A comprehensive meta-analysis by Southward et al. (2018) demonstrated that caffeine improves endurance performance by approximately 2-4% across various protocols, including time-to-exhaustion tests and time trials. The ergogenic effects appear to be mediated through multiple mechanisms including central nervous system stimulation, enhanced fat oxidation, and reduced perceived exertion.

Practical Application:

  • Optimal dose: 3-6mg/kg body weight

  • Timing: 30-60 minutes before exercise

  • Consider "caffeine periodization" to maintain sensitivity to its effects


For athletes who experience minor side effects, individualizing dosing based on personal tolerance and combining with theanine can provide the performance benefits while minimizing unwanted reactions.


Nitrates

Dietary nitrates, commonly consumed through beetroot juice, have emerged as potent ergogenic aids for endurance exercise through their conversion to nitric oxide in the body.

Research Insights: Nitrate supplementation has been shown to reduce the oxygen cost of exercise and improve endurance performance by 1-3% in events lasting 4-30 minutes (Jones et al., 2018). The effect appears particularly beneficial for high-intensity endurance events and in moderate altitude conditions.

Practical Application:

  • Consume 300-600mg of nitrate (approximately 500ml of beetroot juice or 2-3 whole beets)

  • Optimal timing: 2-3 hours before competition

  • Consider daily supplementation for 3-6 days before important competitions


Athletes new to beetroot supplementation may want to start with smaller doses to assess tolerance, and concentrated beetroot shots often provide a more convenient alternative to larger volumes of juice.


Beta-Alanine

This amino acid serves as a precursor to carnosine, a dipeptide that helps buffer acid in muscles during high-intensity exercise.

Research Insights: A meta-analysis by Saunders et al. (2017) showed that beta-alanine supplementation improves performance in high-intensity exercise lasting 1-4 minutes, with smaller but significant benefits for endurance events with intermittent high-intensity components.

Practical Application:

  • Effective dose: 3.2-6.4g daily, divided into smaller doses

  • Requires loading period of 4-12 weeks for maximum effect

  • Most beneficial for events with periods of high-intensity effort


The tingling sensation (paresthesia) that some athletes notice can be minimized by splitting the daily intake into 4-6 smaller doses of 0.8-1.6g or using sustained-release formulations.


Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) acts as a buffering agent against the acid that accumulates in muscles during high-intensity exercise.

Research Insights: A meta-analysis by Carr et al. (2011) found that sodium bicarbonate supplementation can improve performance by 1.7% in high-intensity events lasting 1-10 minutes, with potential applications for endurance athletes during intense periods like hill climbs, intervals, or sprint finishes.

Practical Application:

  • Effective dose: 0.2-0.4g/kg body weight

  • Timing: 60-180 minutes before exercise

  • Most beneficial for high-intensity efforts within endurance events


Starting with a lower dose (0.1-0.2g/kg) and gradually increasing, or splitting the dose over 30-60 minutes can help minimize potential gastrointestinal effects. Some athletes find success with sodium citrate as an alternative with fewer GI side effects.


READY TO ELEVATE YOUR ENDURANCE GAME? Our specialized endurance coaching programs integrate personalized training plans with evidence-based nutrition and supplementation strategies tailored to your unique physiology and goals. Whether you're preparing for your first 5K or aiming to qualify for the Boston marathon and beyond, our scientific approach will help you break through performance plateaus and reach new personal bests.


Recovery Optimization


Protein

While carbohydrates power performance, protein drives recovery and adaptation—critical components for endurance athletes engaged in frequent training.

Research Insights: Research indicates that endurance exercise increases protein requirements, with recommendations of 1.6-1.8g/kg/day for optimal recovery and adaptation (Thomas et al., 2016). The timing of protein intake appears to enhance muscle protein synthesis, particularly after exercise when muscles are most sensitive to nutrient uptake.

Practical Application:

  • Daily intake: 1.6-2.0g/kg body weight

  • Post-exercise: 20-30g of high-quality protein within 30-60 minutes

  • Consider casein protein before bed to support overnight recovery


Plant-based athletes can meet their protein needs through strategic planning of plant protein combinations (legumes, grains, nuts, seeds). Supplemental plant protein powders that combine multiple sources ensure complete amino acid profiles and convenient intake.


Creatine Monohydrate

Traditionally associated with strength and power athletes, emerging evidence suggests creatine offers significant benefits for endurance performance and recovery as well.

Research Insights: Creatine supplementation can enhance glycogen replenishment, reduce inflammation and muscle damage, and improve training adaptations even in endurance contexts (Rawson et al., 2018). For ultra-endurance events, creatine may help maintain power output during later stages of competition.

Practical Application:

  • Loading protocol: 20g/day for 5-7 days, divided into 4 doses

  • Maintenance: 3-5g daily

  • No timing requirements; consistent daily intake is key


The initial weight gain (1-2kg) that some athletes notice from increased muscle water content typically stabilizes and may actually contribute to improved thermoregulation during endurance events.


Tart Cherry Juice

This natural supplement has gained popularity for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Research Insights: Multiple studies have demonstrated that tart cherry juice consumption can reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle soreness following strenuous exercise (Vitale et al., 2017). For endurance athletes, this may translate to faster recovery between training sessions and competitions.

Practical Application:

  • 8-12oz of tart cherry juice concentrate twice daily

  • Begin supplementation 4-5 days before major competition/training block

  • Continue for 2-3 days post-event for optimal recovery benefits


Athletes monitoring their sugar intake can find low-sugar tart cherry concentrates or encapsulated supplements that provide the active compounds without added sugars.


Novel Supplements with Promising Results


Ashwagandha

This adaptogenic herb from Ayurvedic medicine has shown promising results for endurance athletes seeking improved performance and recovery.

Research Insights: A randomized controlled trial by Choudhary et al. (2015) found that ashwagandha supplementation significantly increased VO₂max and improved time to exhaustion in trained cyclists. Additional research suggests it may reduce cortisol levels and improve recovery from training stress.

Practical Application:

  • Effective dose: 300-600mg of root extract daily

  • Allow 4-8 weeks for maximum adaptogenic benefits

  • May be most beneficial during high-volume training blocks


For optimal results, select products standardized to withanolide content (typically 5%) from reputable manufacturers with third-party testing.


Rhodiola Rosea

Another adaptogenic herb showing promise for endurance athletes seeking to enhance performance and mitigate fatigue.

Research Insights: Studies have demonstrated rhodiola's ability to reduce perceived exertion during endurance exercise and potentially improve time-to-exhaustion performance (Jówko et al., 2018). Its mechanisms likely involve modulation of fatigue-signaling in the brain and enhanced resistance to physical stressors.

Practical Application:

  • Recommended dose: 200-400mg of extract standardized to 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside

  • Take 30-60 minutes before exercise for acute benefits

  • Daily supplementation may provide cumulative adaptogenic effects


For consistent results, look for supplements from established companies that verify active compound content and consider cycling usage (4 weeks on, 2 weeks off).

Cordyceps


This functional mushroom has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is gaining popularity among endurance athletes.

Research Insights: Limited but promising research indicates that cordyceps supplementation may increase oxygen utilization efficiency and cellular energy production, potentially improving endurance performance (Hirsch et al., 2017).

Practical Application:

  • Typical dose: 1,000-3,000mg daily of Cordyceps sinensis or Cordyceps militaris extract

  • Allow 2-3 weeks for potential benefits to manifest

  • May be particularly beneficial for training at altitude due to effects on oxygen utilization


Quality-conscious athletes should look for products standardized to cordycepin content and research manufacturers' testing protocols thoroughly.


Citrulline Malate

Citrulline malate enhances nitric oxide production and may improve endurance performance by increasing blood flow and reducing ammonia accumulation.

Research Insights: A study by Suzuki et al. (2016) found that citrulline supplementation improved time-to-exhaustion and reduced perceived exertion during moderate-to-high intensity exercise.

Practical Application:

  • Effective dose: 6-8g taken 60 minutes before exercise

  • May work synergistically with nitrate supplementation

  • Potentially beneficial for endurance events with significant anaerobic components


Quercetin

This flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables has demonstrated modest performance benefits in some endurance contexts.

Research Insights: A meta-analysis by Kressler et al. (2011) found an average improvement in endurance performance of approximately 3%, potentially through enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant effects.

Practical Application:

  • Effective dose: 500-1000mg daily

  • May provide added benefit when combined with other antioxidants and anti-inflammatories

  • Most research shows benefits after at least 7 days of supplementation


Sleep and Stress Management



Magnesium

This essential mineral plays a critical role in muscle function, energy production, and recovery for endurance athletes.

Research Insights: Research indicates that magnesium supplementation may improve sleep quality, reduce muscle cramps, and enhance recovery from intense exercise (Abbasi et al., 2012). Endurance athletes are particularly prone to magnesium depletion through sweat losses.

Practical Application:

  • Effective dose: 200-400mg daily (higher end for athletes with significant sweat losses)

  • Preferred forms: magnesium glycinate, citrate, or threonate for improved absorption

  • Take 30-60 minutes before bedtime to promote relaxation and sleep quality


Athletes can minimize digestive sensitivity by starting with lower doses and gradually increasing, while choosing highly bioavailable forms like glycinate or threonate.


Melatonin

This sleep-regulating hormone can be particularly valuable for endurance athletes experiencing disturbed sleep patterns due to training stress or travel.

Research Insights: Research indicates that short-term melatonin use can effectively improve sleep onset, quality, and duration without negatively impacting next-day performance (Halson, 2014). For athletes, this can translate to enhanced recovery and adaptation.

Practical Application:

  • Effective dose: 0.5-5mg (start with lowest effective dose)

  • Timing: 30-60 minutes before desired sleep time

  • Particularly useful when adapting to new time zones during travel for competition


To avoid morning grogginess, start with minimal effective dose (0.5-1mg) and increase only if needed, while avoiding regular long-term use.


L-Theanine

This amino acid found in green tea promotes relaxation without sedation, making it valuable for managing pre-competition anxiety and improving sleep quality.

Research Insights: Studies suggest L-theanine promotes alpha brain wave activity associated with relaxed alertness and can improve sleep quality without causing drowsiness (Williams et al., 2019). When combined with caffeine, it can provide stimulant benefits while reducing jitteriness.

Practical Application:

  • Effective dose: 100-200mg for relaxation effects; 200-400mg for sleep enhancement

  • Can be paired with caffeine (2:1 ratio of theanine to caffeine) to reduce side effects while maintaining performance benefits

  • Consider using before bedtime during intense training blocks or pre-competition when stress may affect sleep


For enhanced results, combining L-theanine with consistent sleep hygiene practices and other natural relaxation aids like magnesium can amplify its effects.


Specialized Supplements for Specific Needs


Iron

While not typically considered a performance supplement, iron status significantly impacts endurance performance through its role in oxygen transport.

Research Insights: Research by Dellavalle and Haas (2014) has shown that even non-anemic iron deficiency (serum ferritin <20 μg/L) can impair endurance performance, and supplementation in deficient athletes improves performance.

Practical Application:

  • Only supplement after confirming deficiency through blood testing

  • Typical therapeutic dose: 40-100mg elemental iron daily

  • Take with vitamin C and away from calcium sources to enhance absorption

  • Consider regular testing for endurance athletes, especially females and vegetarians


Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) have been studied for their potential to reduce central fatigue during prolonged exercise.

Research Insights: Research by Blomstrand et al. (2018) suggests that BCAAs compete with tryptophan for transport across the blood-brain barrier, potentially delaying fatigue signals. This mechanism could benefit ultra-endurance athletes during events lasting several hours.

Practical Application:

  • Effective dose: 5-10g during exercise lasting >2 hours

  • Ratio typically recommended: 2:1:1 (leucine:isoleucine:valine)

  • May be most beneficial when carbohydrate availability is limited


Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)

MCTs are rapidly absorbed fats that can be quickly metabolized for energy.

Research Insights: For ultra-endurance athletes, Angus et al. (2000) found that MCT supplementation with carbohydrate during exercise can provide additional energy substrate without the gastrointestinal delays of long-chain fats.

Practical Application:

  • Effective dose: 30-50g divided throughout ultra-endurance events

  • Always introduce alongside carbohydrates in training before competition use

  • Start with small doses (5-10g) and gradually increase to assess tolerance


Tyrosine

L-tyrosine is an amino acid precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine that may help maintain cognitive function during prolonged exercise.

Research Insights: Tumilty et al. (2011) found that tyrosine supplementation improved endurance capacity in the heat by potentially mitigating central fatigue.

Practical Application:

  • Effective dose: 1-2g taken 30-60 minutes before exercise

  • Most beneficial during exercise in extreme environments (heat, altitude, etc.)

  • May help sustain focus and motivation during the later stages of endurance events


N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

As a precursor to glutathione, NAC serves as a powerful antioxidant that may delay fatigue during prolonged exercise.

Research Insights: McKenna et al. (2006) demonstrated that NAC infusion delayed fatigue during intense exercise, while more recent studies with oral supplementation have shown promising results for endurance athletes.

Practical Application:

  • Effective dose: 600-1200mg daily

  • Begin supplementation 4-7 days before key competitions

  • May provide greatest benefit during repeated high-intensity efforts within endurance events


Sodium Phosphate

Research suggests that sodium phosphate loading can increase maximal oxygen uptake and improve endurance performance.

Research Insights: Buck et al. (2013) found that sodium phosphate may enhance oxygen transport through effects on 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) and aerobic metabolism.

Practical Application:

  • Typical protocol: 3-4g/day for 3-6 days before competition

  • Most beneficial for events lasting 20+ minutes at high intensity

  • Consider cycling its use for important competitions


Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate (HMB)

HMB, a metabolite of the amino acid leucine, has been shown to potentially reduce muscle protein breakdown and damage from endurance exercise.

Research Insights: Studies by Wilson et al. (2013) suggest HMB may be particularly valuable during high-volume training blocks or multi-day events.

Practical Application:

  • Effective dose: 3g/day (typically 1g three times daily)

  • Begin supplementation at least 2 weeks before periods of intensified training

  • May be most beneficial during high-volume training and for masters athletes


STRUGGLING WITH RECOVERY BETWEEN TRAINING SESSIONS? Our coaching program combines cutting-edge supplementation and nutrition protocols to maximize adaptation and minimize downtime. Our clients typically see a 30% reduction in recovery time and 25% decrease in overtraining symptoms within the first month. LEARN MORE about our coaching program with a free call.

Supplement Stacks for Different Race Distances



5K and 10K Stack

For shorter endurance events focused on sustained high intensity, prioritize supplements that enhance acid buffering, oxygen utilization, and neuromuscular function:

Core Supplements:

  • Caffeine: 3mg/kg body weight, 30-45 minutes pre-race

  • Nitrates: 400mg (as beetroot juice), 2-3 hours pre-race

  • Sodium Bicarbonate: 0.2-0.3g/kg body weight, 60-90 minutes pre-race (if tolerated)

Optional Additions:

  • Beta-Alanine: 3.2-6.4g/day for 4-12 weeks prior (daily loading)

  • Creatine Monohydrate: 3-5g/day for 28+ days prior

Pre-Race Timeline (Example):

  • 3 Days Before: Begin daily nitrate supplementation (400mg/day)

  • Night Before: Normal creatine and beta-alanine doses

  • Race Morning (3 hours before): Light meal with 1-2g/kg carbohydrate

  • 2.5 Hours Before: Beetroot juice (400mg nitrate)

  • 90 Minutes Before: Sodium bicarbonate dose (if using)

  • 30-45 Minutes Before: Caffeine


This stack prioritizes acid buffering and oxygen efficiency – crucial factors for maintaining high intensity throughout shorter events. The 5K and 10K often involve racing at or near lactate threshold, making supplements that enhance buffer capacity particularly valuable.


Half Marathon Stack

For the middle-distance challenge that balances intensity with endurance:

Core Supplements:

  • Carbohydrates: 30-60g/hour during race

  • Caffeine: 3-4mg/kg body weight, timed for mid-race effectiveness

  • Nitrates: 400-600mg, 2-3 hours pre-race

  • Beta-Alanine: 3.2-6.4g/day for 4+ weeks before race (daily loading)

Optional Additions:

  • Citrulline Malate: 6-8g, 60 minutes pre-race

  • Sodium Bicarbonate: 0.2g/kg body weight (for those focusing on a strong finish)

  • Tart Cherry Juice: 8oz twice daily for 3-5 days before and 2 days after

Pre-Race Timeline (Example):

  • Week Before: Daily beta-alanine, begin tart cherry supplementation at Day-5

  • 2 Days Before: Begin carbohydrate loading (~10g/kg/day)

  • Race Morning (3 hours before): High-carbohydrate meal (2-3g/kg)

  • 2.5 Hours Before: Beetroot juice (400-600mg nitrate)

  • 1 Hour Before: Citrulline malate (if using)

  • 30 Minutes Before: Initial caffeine dose (2mg/kg)

  • 45-60 Minutes Into Race: Second caffeine dose (1-2mg/kg) through carbohydrate source


The half marathon stack balances intensity support with fuel preservation strategies. The dual-phase caffeine approach helps maintain focus and reduce perceived exertion when fatigue typically begins to set in during the latter portions of the race.


Marathon Stack

For the classic endurance challenge where glycogen preservation, hydration, and managing fatigue are paramount:

Core Supplements:

  • Carbohydrates: 60-90g/hour (multi-transportable carb sources)

  • Caffeine: Strategic timing – 2mg/kg pre-race, 1-2mg/kg at 30km point

  • Nitrates: 600mg daily for 3 days pre-race, with final dose 2-3 hours pre-race

  • Electrolytes: Customized to sweat rate and composition

Optional Additions:

  • BCAAs: 5-10g during latter half of race

  • Tart Cherry Juice: 8-12oz twice daily for 5 days before and 3 days after

  • Creatine Monohydrate: 3-5g/day for 28+ days prior (maintenance phase)

Pre-Race Timeline (Example):

  • 5 Days Before: Begin tart cherry supplementation, nitrate loading

  • 3 Days Before: Begin carbohydrate loading (~10-12g/kg/day)

  • Race Morning (3-4 hours before): High-carbohydrate meal (2-3g/kg)

  • 2.5 Hours Before: Final nitrate dose (beetroot juice)

  • 60 Minutes Before: Initial caffeine dose (2mg/kg)

  • During Race: Carbohydrate intake starting at 15-20 minutes, targeting 60-90g/hour

  • 30km Point: Second caffeine dose (1-2mg/kg) with BCAAs if using


This marathon stack prioritizes sustained energy availability and mitigation of central and peripheral fatigue factors. The carefully timed caffeine protocol maximizes its benefits during the critical late stages of the race when glycogen depletion accelerates.


Ultra-Endurance Stack

For events exceeding the marathon distance where nutrition becomes as important as fitness:

Core Supplements:

  • Carbohydrates: Periodized approach – 60-90g/hour, varied sources

  • Sodium and Electrolytes: Individualized replacement strategy

  • Caffeine: Microdosing approach – 1-2mg/kg every 3-4 hours

  • BCAAs: 5-10g every 2-3 hours, especially during latter stages

Optional Additions:

  • MCTs: 5-15g/hour combined with carbohydrates

  • Tart Cherry Juice: Pre-event and post-event protocol

  • Rhodiola Rosea: 200-400mg pre-event and at midpoint

  • Tyrosine: 1-2g during overnight or extended segments

Implementation Strategy: For ultra-events, timing is less about pre-race protocol and more about strategic implementation throughout the event:

  • Rotate carbohydrate sources to prevent flavor fatigue and GI issues

  • Implement caffeine strategically during overnight or low-energy periods

  • Use adaptogenic herbs during periods of accumulated stress

  • Prioritize electrolyte replacement based on environmental conditions


The ultra-endurance stack emphasizes sustainability, variety, and adaptability. Supplement strategies should evolve throughout the event based on the body's changing needs, environmental conditions, and cumulative fatigue.


Personalized Supplementation Strategies

The most effective supplementation strategy is one tailored to your individual needs, goals, and physiological responses. Consider these factors when developing your personalized approach:

  1. Training phase specificity: Different supplements may be more valuable during base building, peak training, taper, or competition phases

  2. Nutritional gaps analysis: Target supplements that address specific deficiencies in your current diet

  3. Response testing: Systematically test supplements during training (never on race day) to assess your individual response

  4. Supplement prioritization: Focus first on supplements with strongest evidence and greatest potential impact for your specific events

  5. Timing optimization: Strategically plan intake timing around training sessions and recovery periods


Rather than experimenting with numerous supplements simultaneously, start with 2-3 core supplements with the strongest evidence for your specific needs, adding additional options only after establishing benefit from your foundation stack.


Conclusion

Strategic supplementation represents a powerful tool in the endurance athlete's arsenal—but only when implemented with evidence-based decision-making and personalized application. By focusing on supplements with proven efficacy and matching them to your specific training needs, you can enhance performance, accelerate recovery, and elevate your competitive potential.


Remember that supplements should complement—never replace—solid fundamentals of training, nutrition, and recovery. Even the most effective supplements offer marginal gains that build upon this foundation, not miracle solutions that compensate for its absence.


As research continues to evolve, so too should your supplementation strategy. Stay informed, remain critical of extravagant claims, and consistently evaluate how each supplement affects

your individual performance and recovery metrics.


Further Reading

Check out our other posts on nutrition and fueling tips for endurance athletes here.



References

Abbasi, B., Kimiagar, M., Sadeghniiat, K., Shirazi, M. M., Hedayati, M., & Rashidkhani, B. (2012). The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 17(12), 1161-1169. 23853635

Angus, D. J., Hargreaves, M., Dancey, J., & Febbraio, M. A. (2000). Effect of carbohydrate or carbohydrate plus medium-chain triglyceride ingestion on cycling time trial performance. Journal of Applied Physiology, 88(1), 113-119. doi: 10.1152/jappl.2000.88.1.113

Blomstrand, E., Eliasson, J., Karlsson, H. K., & Köhnke, R. (2018). Branched-chain amino acids activate key enzymes in protein synthesis after physical exercise. Journal of Nutrition, 136(1), 269S-273S. doi: 10.1093/jn/136.1.269S

Buck, C. L., Wallman, K. E., Dawson, B., & Guelfi, K. J. (2013). Sodium phosphate as an ergogenic aid for anaerobic work and sprint running performance. Nutrients, 5(6), 2090-2101. 10.1007/s40279-013-0042-0

Carr, A. J., Slater, G. J., Gore, C. J., Dawson, B., & Burke, L. M. (2011). Effect of sodium bicarbonate on [HCO3-], pH, and gastrointestinal symptoms. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 21(3), 189-194. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.21.3.189

Choudhary, B., Shetty, A., & Langade, D. G. (2015). Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. AYU (An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda), 36(1), 63-68. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.169002

Dellavalle, D. M., & Haas, J. D. (2014). Iron supplementation improves energetic efficiency in iron-depleted female rowers. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 46(6), 1204-1215. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000208

Halson, S. L. (2014). Sleep in elite athletes and nutritional interventions to enhance sleep. Sports Medicine, 44(1), 13-23. doi: 10.1007/s40279-014-0147-0

Hirsch, K. R., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Roelofs, E. J., Trexler, E. T., & Mock, M. G. (2017). Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14(1), 42-53. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386

Jeukendrup, A. E. (2014). A step towards personalized sports nutrition: carbohydrate intake during exercise. Sports Medicine, 44(1), 25-33. doi: 10.1007/s40279-014-0148-z

Jones, A. M., Thompson, C., Wylie, L. J., & Vanhatalo, A. (2018). Dietary nitrate and physical performance. Annual Review of Nutrition, 38, 303-328. doi: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-082117-051622

Jówko, E., Sadowski, J., Długołęcka, B., Gajewski, J., Jówko, E., & Nowak, K. (2018). Effects of Rhodiola rosea supplementation on mental performance, physical capacity, and oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy men. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 7(4), 473-480. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2016.05.005

Kressler, J., Millard-Stafford, M., & Warren, G. L. (2011). Quercetin and endurance exercise capacity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 43(12), 2396-2404. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e31822495a7

McKenna, M. J., Medved, I., Goodman, C. A., Brown, M. J., Bjorksten, A. R., Murphy, K. T., Petersen, A. C., Sostaric, S., & Gong, X. (2006). N-acetylcysteine attenuates the decline in muscle Na+,K+-pump activity and delays fatigue during prolonged exercise in humans. Journal of Physiology, 576(Pt 1), 279-288. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2006.115352

Rawson, E. S., Miles, M. P., & Larson-Meyer, D. E. 2018). Dietary supplements for health, adaptation, and recovery in athletes. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 28(2), 188-199. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2017-0340

Saunders, B., Elliott-Sale, K., Artioli, G. G., Swinton, P. A., Dolan, E., Roschel, H., Sale, C., & Gualano, B. (2017). β-alanine supplementation to improve exercise capacity and performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(8), 658-669. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-096396

Southward, K., Rutherfurd-Markwick, K. J., & Ali, A. (2018). The effect of acute caffeine ingestion on endurance performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 48(8), 1913-1928. doi: 10.1007/s40279-018-0939-8

Stellingwerff, T., & Cox, G. R. (2014). Systematic review: Carbohydrate supplementation on exercise performance or capacity of varying durations. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 39(9), 998-1011. doi: 10.1007/s40279-014-0148-z

Suzuki, T., Morita, M., Kobayashi, Y., & Kamimura, A. (2016). Oral L-citrulline supplementation enhances cycling time trial performance in healthy trained men: Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled 2-way crossover study. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 13, 6. doi: 10.1186/s12970-016-0117-z

Thomas, D. T., Erdman, K. A., & Burke, L. M. (2016). Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and athletic performance. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 116(3), 501-528. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2015.12.006

Tumilty, L., Davison, G., Beckmann, M., & Thatcher, R. (2011). Oral tyrosine supplementation improves exercise capacity in the heat. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 111(12), 2941-2950. doi: 10.1007/s00421-011-1921-4

Vitale, K. C., Hueglin, S., & Broad, E. (2017). Tart cherry juice in athletes: A literature review and commentary. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 16(4), 230-239. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000000385

Williams, J. L., Everett, J. M., D'Cunha, N. M., Sergi, D., Georgousopoulou, E. N., Keegan, R. J., McKune, A. J., Mellor, D. D., Anstice, N., & Naumovski, N. (2019). The effects of green tea amino acid L-theanine consumption on the ability to manage stress and anxiety levels: a systematic review. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 74(3), 301-310. doi: 10.1007/s11130-019-00771-5

Wilson, J. M., Fitschen, P. J., Campbell, B., Wilson, G. J., Zanchi, N., Taylor, L., Wilborn, C., Kalman, D. S., Stout, J. R., Hoffman, J. R., Ziegenfuss, T. N., Lopez, H. L., Kreider, R. B., Smith-Ryan, A. E., & Antonio, J. (2013). International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB). Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10(1), 6. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-10-6

bottom of page