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6 Best Recovery Supplements for Runners 2023
Fitness

6 Best Recovery Supplements for Runners 2023

Isabel-Mayfield-health-reporter
Written by Isabel Mayfield | Fact checked by Fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD check
Last update: May 8, 2023
648 Views
7 min

Running supplements can help you run longer, replenish lost nutrients effectively, and recover faster.

best recovery supplements for runners
Shutterstock.com

When you start running, ensuring your body receives all the macroelements and vitamins needed for all running stages is challenging. 

Receiving all nutrients from daily food takes lots of planning and time for cooking. It is definitely not for everyone’s lifestyle. Buying dozens of supplements for all workout stages is out of the question, too. 

Luckily, there are some supplements crafted ideally for runners. They support your body throughout all running stages. This way, you replenish all needed nutrients, so you can improve as a runner fast and sustainably. 

In this article, we will compare the 6 best supplements for runners, evaluating the pros and cons of each product. 

Keep reading and see which supplement ideally suits your current running needs and body condition.

Comparison Table

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Ei8ht Energy
SIS GO Energy
The Protein Works
Turmeric Co. Shots
CurraNZ
Runner’s Recovery Mix
4.0
stars
4.8
stars
3.9
stars
4.0
stars
4.2
stars
4.1
stars

Natural ingredients

Created in collaboration with the University of Oxford

Pre-measured dosage

Only water needed

Vegan

Gluten-free

Added vitamins

189 calories per serving

Vegan

Gluten-free

Dairy-free

Easy on the stomach

156mg of caffeine per 1 capsule for effective stimulation

Well-known brand

Easy-to-use capsules

Natural source of antioxidants

Easy-to-consume dosage

Each shot contains 35g of raw turmeric

No sweeteners

Vegan formula

No added water

No preservatives

Plant-based

Natural blackcurrant extract

Easy-to-use capsules

Sugar-free

Designed specifically for runners

A mix of post-workout relevant elements

Easy to mix with any beverage

Reported bad licorice taste

The formula was not developed for runners

Must be drunk within 15 minutes after mixing

Contains sweeteners

Relevant to long runs only

Not created for hydration

Not suitable for children or pregnant women

Not suitable for people prone to hydration

Not suitable for vegans

No ingredients for post-workout recovery

Caffeine quantity might be too high for some people

No ingredients target pre-run or hydration

Not specific to runners

Has a distinct turmeric taste

No added vitamins for runners’ well-being

Mainly targets post-run recovery

Does not offer a full range of vitamins and minerals

Contains milk

Not suitable for children and pregnant women

Brand
Ei8ht Energy
SIS GO Energy
The Protein Works
Turmeric Co. Shots
CurraNZ
Runner’s Recovery Mix
Overall Rating
4.0
stars
4.8
stars
3.9
stars
4.0
stars
4.2
stars
4.1
stars
Pros

Natural ingredients

Created in collaboration with the University of Oxford

Pre-measured dosage

Only water needed

Vegan

Gluten-free

Added vitamins

189 calories per serving

Vegan

Gluten-free

Dairy-free

Easy on the stomach

156mg of caffeine per 1 capsule for effective stimulation

Well-known brand

Easy-to-use capsules

Natural source of antioxidants

Easy-to-consume dosage

Each shot contains 35g of raw turmeric

No sweeteners

Vegan formula

No added water

No preservatives

Plant-based

Natural blackcurrant extract

Easy-to-use capsules

Sugar-free

Designed specifically for runners

A mix of post-workout relevant elements

Easy to mix with any beverage

Cons

Reported bad licorice taste

The formula was not developed for runners

Must be drunk within 15 minutes after mixing

Contains sweeteners

Relevant to long runs only

Not created for hydration

Not suitable for children or pregnant women

Not suitable for people prone to hydration

Not suitable for vegans

No ingredients for post-workout recovery

Caffeine quantity might be too high for some people

No ingredients target pre-run or hydration

Not specific to runners

Has a distinct turmeric taste

No added vitamins for runners’ well-being

Mainly targets post-run recovery

Does not offer a full range of vitamins and minerals

Contains milk

Not suitable for children and pregnant women

The best supplements for runners should offer you pre-workout energy to boost your performance. After the workout, they should help your body recover fast. 

Some supplements might also target specific running stages, so you consume the best product when your body needs it the most. 

To write this review, we have tried and compared dozens of supplements. Here we will discuss the best ones that might ease your running journey regardless of your experience.

#1 SIS GO Energy – Best for Energy Supply During Long Runs

SIS logo
SIS GO Energy
  • Gives a burst of energy during long exercises
  • 47g of carbohydrates in one serving
  • Restores energy reserves during long or intense runs
Our rating:
4.1
stars
Learn More

SIS GO Energy drink is an easily digestible, easy-to-consume energy drink. It rapidly builds up carbohydrate reserves and serves as a fast energy fuel for longer or higher intensity workouts.

The energy drink combats the number one cause of fatigue – the depletion of carbohydrate energy stores. 

The supplements use a carbohydrate mix of maltodextrin and fructose (47g per serving) and come in three flavors: blackcurrant, lemon, and orange. Your stomach will quickly absorb and digest the ingredients, so you can feel the rush of energy within a few moments.

The drink is not too sweet (it contains only 3.5g of sugars per serving). People report that it remains appetizing even during the second or third hour of the run.

These supplements are a perfect option for people who run long distances. One bottle should be comfortable enough for 45–60 minutes of exercise. 

SIS GO Energy drinks come in sachets or 0.5kg and 1.6kg powder containers. Pre-measured sachets are a great (yet more expensive) option for occasional runs. If you plan to use the supplement frequently, a bottled version is a more cost-effective option.

#2 Ei8ht Energy by Avrox – Best for Pre-workout Rush of Energy

Avrox logo
Ei8ht Energy by Avrox
  • Easy-to-mix pre-workout drink
  • Boosts body’s oxygen transportation
  • Delays a feeling of fatigue
  • Gives energy before the workout
Our rating:
4.0
stars
Learn More

Ei8ht Energy, crafted by Avrox and scientists at the University of Oxford, is a pre-workout drink advertised to boost the body’s oxygen transportation.

Increased oxygen levels in the body before the run gives a burst of energy and delays the feeling of fatigue.

The drink improves oxygen-transporting efficiency by almost five percent in under five minutes after ingestion.

The supplement is sold in sachets measured to the correct dose, to be mixed with water, and shaken for 30 seconds. The drink has to be consumed within 15 minutes, so the activated microbubbles carry oxygen into the bloodstream.  

The Ei8ht Energy drink contains vitamins B3 and B12, known to reduce blood pressure and fight tiredness and fatigue. The supplement also gives you 80mg of caffeine per drink, which promotes exercise intensity and helps you burn fat. 

The Ei8ht Energy drinks are vegan and gluten-free and do not contain any sugars or artificial additives.

#3 Thermopro by the Protein Works – Best for Boosting Energy

The Protein Works logo
Thermopro by the Protein Works
  • Enhances performance
  • Supports energy production
  • Powerful stimulating formula
  • Packed with workout-relevant vitamins and minerals
Our rating:
3.9
stars
Learn More

Thermopro is the supplement crafted by the UK-based sports nutrition brand Protein Works. Thermopro, marketed as a “potent performance formula,” consists of 15 ingredients: vitamins, minerals, extracts, and amino acids.

The supplement comes in an easy-to-consume capsule and helps you reach your fitness goals faster. Thermopro focuses on pre-workout energy boost, maintaining lean muscle mass, and reducing fatigue and exhaustion during the workout. 

These supplements are ideal for people on a calorie-controlled diet since they indirectly promote fat burn. The formula contains ingredients that contribute to macronutrient metabolism and energy release.

Thermopro contains 156mg of caffeine per capsule. Since the capsule contains more caffeine than one cup of coffee, it is advised to drink supplements in the first half of the day. 

Choose Termopro to boost energy levels before the workout, build lean muscle mass, and optimize intra-run performance by reducing tiredness.

It is advised to take only one capsule per day before a workout and gradually increase the intake if needed. Note that only healthy adults aged 18–50 can take the supplements. 

#4 Turmeric Co. Shots – Best to Reduce Post-workout Fatigue

Turmeric Co logo
Turmeric Co. Shots
  • Targets post-workout muscles and joint recovery
  • Great for reducing muscle soreness and post-workout inflammation
  • Immunity support
  • Improves sports performance
Our rating:
4.0
stars
Learn More

Post-workout muscle soreness, loss of energy, and body fatigue are among the top issues every runner faces after an intense workout. 

Turmeric Co. Shots, loaded with the benefits of turmeric root, are designed to reduce muscle damage during the workout and relieve muscle soreness. 

The 60ml shots contain a 35g dose of turmeric root and piperine (a black pepper extract). The combination is loaded with antioxidants – the primary substance to prevent or delay cell damage. 

Therefore, Turmeric Co. Shots are specifically effective for enhancing athletic recovery, reducing inflammation in the post-workout body, and supporting lasting joint health. 

In fact, curcumin – the most active ingredient in turmeric – is one of the most powerful and purely natural substances that can serve as a pain reliever and replace over-the-counter painkillers.

Turmeric Co. Shots might be the best option if you are looking for a fast post-workout recovery solution that targets and reduces muscle pain.

#5 CurraNZ – Best for Relieving Muscle Soreness

CurraNZ logo
CurraNZ
  • Improves endurance
  • Supports immune system
  • Accelerates recovery period
Our rating:
4.2
stars
Learn More

CurraNZ is a supplement made with New Zealand blackcurrant extract known for its natural anti-inflammatory and blood flow-promoting properties. 

The capsules also contain a plant-based compound called anthocyanins. This group of antioxidants prepares muscle tissue for oxidative stress during a vigorous workout. This improves your endurance, boosts energy, and burns fat more efficiently. 

Therefore, the supplements are specifically beneficial for speeding up post-workout muscle recovery as they reduce muscle damage and soreness.

Apart from notable recovery benefits, the CurraNZ also strengthens your immune system, reduces the effects of stress in your body, increases energy, and supports cardiovascular health. 

#6 Runner’s Recovery Mix by Runfit Nutrition – Best for Quick Muscle Growth

run fit nutrition logo
Runner’s Recovery Mix by Runfit Nutrition
  • Speeds up body recovery
  • Supports bone health
  • Restores electrolytes lost from running
Our rating:
4.1
stars
Visit RunFit Nutrition

As the name suggests, Runner’s Recovery Mix are protein supplements for runners specifically formulated to speed up your recovery after a run.

The cinnamon toast crunch flavored supplements offer a mix of recovery-targeted ingredients. Electrolytes, branched-chain amino acids, proteins, and carbs enhance muscle recovery and promote joint and bone health.

It is a potent mix for all runners who run frequently and want to restore elements lost during a run. 

A sugar-free powder is gentle on the stomach and mixes easily in any beverage. Take two scoops one hour after the run and notice how quickly your body recovers.

How to Choose the Best Running Supplement?

Picking the best supplements for runners is a time and energy-demanding task. You have to evaluate the ingredients, the positive and possible side effects, and the effectiveness for your desired result.

We have selected the best supplements for runners by evaluating them based on factors that are important to runners.

Quality 

A dietary supplement for runners must include science-backed, natural ingredients of top quality. 

We have selected only the best running supplements made with ingredients backed by research. 

Price 

You should not spend a fortune to see effective results. A healthy body and lasting recovery should be affordable for everyone. 

We have picked only those dietary supplements that either show significant value or belong to a similar price range.

Brand reputation 

We have selected only those products that display a well-earned brand reputation. 

All the running supplements in this list are made by top sports industry players that can be trusted.

Effectiveness 

Last, we evaluated each running supplement for its effectiveness. We picked only the products with ingredients that ran through extensive study research and are scientifically approved. 

The list includes only those dietary supplements that were tested for their effectiveness.

A Word From a Coach

The secret to rapid and lasting progress in a running journey is supplements that support your body and help it to recharge.

Make sure to consume running supplements that take care of your mental and physical health during all running stages: pre-workout, during the run, and after. The best supplements for runners should cover all these stages.

First, choose the product with ingredients boosting energy and oxygen levels to prepare your tissues and increase mental focus before the run. Caffeine, beetroot powder, and L-theanine should do an excellent job.

Then, look for ingredients such as essential amino acids that prolong exercise time, increase the fatigue resistance, and aid in effective muscle recovery and protein synthesis.

Last, ensure your supplements include runner-relevant vitamin groups, such as vitamins C and B. The goal is to replenish your body’s reserves immediately after you exhaust them.

Running is a perfect exercise to get fit, lose weight, improve mood, and enjoy a better life quality.

Support your body with the right supplements and experience an effective and enjoyable fitness journey.

Conclusion

The best supplements for runners should target all runner-relevant areas of the body: the cardiovascular system, joints, muscles, and bones. 

The right supplement can radically boost your physical performance to help you reach your running goals quickly without exhausting your body.

Among the numerous great running supplements, the SIS Supplements appears to be the best choice. The formula of this supplement covers all stages of running. You can consume only this supplement and be sure that all body needs are satisfied.

Isabel-Mayfield-health-reporter
Written by
Isabel Mayfield is a certified yoga instructor with over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry. She is passionate about self-improvement and loves to help people improve their sense of self-worth through education and support in meeting their fitness goals.
The article was checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
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