- Acetyl L-carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid: Carnitine assists in shuttling fatty acids into the powerhouses of the cells, the mitochondria, to be utilized as fuel. In addition it increases fat usage as a fuel decreasing reliance on limited glycogen (carbohydrate) stores, it helps decrease lactate in muscles, boosts post workout testosterone uptake for quicker and better recovery and protects muscles from being damaged during exercise. Alpha Lipoic acid works in conjunction with carnitine by protecting the mitochondria from damage and actually increasing the number of mitochondria that are present in the muscles. I take 500 mg of acetyl L-carnitine and 150 mg of alpha lipoic acid daily.

-Rhodiola: This adaptogenic herb may help to decrease cortisol, increase stamina, increase fatty acid use a fuel, increase VO2 max and increase the number of mitochondria in the muscles. I take 200mg prior to exercise.

-Astaxanthin: This sister of vitamin A has many unique benefits and gives salmon their pink color. This powerhouse nutrient helps to spare glycogen, reinforce the body modifying effect of endurance training (read get lean), increase fat use as fuel, acts as an powerful anti-oxidant, improves stamina, and one of my favorite benefits, acts as an internal sunscreen and protects the eyes and skin from UV damage. I take 12 mg daily.

I’ve left out many other supplements such as citrulline, caffeine, octacosanol, OKG, whey protein, glycerol and PQQ but as stated earlier I think those listed above will give you the best “bang for the buck” and help you in your pursuit of athletic excellence in endurance sports.

-Author Rob G. Landes owns Nature’s Answer Health Food Store in Marion. He is available for consultation by contacting him at 997-8717.