Happy Friday! This morning I have another review of some supplements from the guys at Simply Supplements. I’ve previously reviewed some of their products before (check it out HERE) and was happy to do another review for them.
Simply Supplements is an online shop selling a wide range of different supplements. I chose two different ones to try.
Alpha Lipoic Acid 250mg
When Simply Supplements asked me to take my pick of something it was perfect timing as I’d only recently heard about some of the benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid (in combination with the second supplement I chose) to runners and athletes in general. I can’t remember where exactly I read about it, but it was peaked my interest for definite.
After doing my DNAFit test I’m keenly aware that I need to ‘up’ my antioxidants that I have in order to help remove free radicals from my system to improve my recovery and stave off injuries. And this little gem apparently does just that: it helps “defend cells against oxidative damage caused by ‘free-radical’ molecules.” (Source). It’s also supposed to help build lean body mass and reduce fat.
Acetyl L-Carnitine 500mg
Acetyl L-Carnitine was the second supplement I chose and, according to evidence, works best in combination with the previous supplement Alpha Lipoic Acid.
“Acetyl L Carnitine transports important fatty acids into the mitochondria of cells to support vitality and energy” (source). Basically it helps provide the body with more energy.
Though the above two nutrients are present in some foods (e.g. spinach, broccoli, beef, and kidney), the amounts tend to be quite small. So the supplements help in that respect. I’m always more of a fan of getting my nutrients from food than tablets (far more fun that way!), but in this case this seems preferable.
Thoughts? Well, you know me, anything that keeps me from getting injured I’m all for! There appears to be a lot of evidence out there that helps back up the claim that together these supplements are a powerhouse of force against oxidative stress (thereby reducing cell damage and ageing). There’s a lot more science to this (as you can imagine) of which I won’t go into, mainly because it’s a) not particularly interesting to read and b) I’m not that intelligent to understand it 😉 but the links I’ve provided go into a bit more detail if you are interested/more intelligent than me.
Having now tried another set of their supplements, I’m confident that Simply Supplements are a great company and I highly recommend their products. The tablets are nice and small and you can take one-two a day of each with meals. I’m probably going to continue buying these supplements when I’m finished as the evidence is so strong and it’s something I think my body would benefit from with my running and high injury status.
What supplements do you use?
How do you support the weakness in your body?
What’s important to you about a supplement?
**Full Disclosure: I was sent these supplements for free to review by Simply Supplements. All opinions are my own honest ones.**
It’s always good when someone is happy to do a second review of a company – it shows that they really did like them 🙂
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Friday Favourites: Winning, Sushi and Beards by Dannii
They’re good if supplements are your thing 🙂
AnnaTheApple recently posted…The day before the Cheddar Gorge Marathon
I used to take a lot of supplements until I realized most of them weren’t benefiting me as much as I thought, so now I get most of my vitamins and minerals from my food.
I think first and foremost that’s the best thing to do. But for people who really struggle I think supplements can help fill the gap for a period of time.
AnnaTheApple recently posted…The day before the Cheddar Gorge Marathon
Ummm I’m a bit confused because if you read the link there is actually a complete lack of evidence that the supplements have any benefit in humans? I can only see animal studies and one non published study in a small group of humans, which doesn’t really mean anything. I wouldn’t believe all the marketing mumbo jumbo, it’s worrying how unregulated supplement claims are. Generally the people who take supplements are health-concious people who eat very well and are not actually the people who need them!
You make a brilliant point. Thanks for highlighting this. I’m in no means scientifically minded in this area (or in general) so it’s easy to get persuaded by data and studies that on the surface appear like great evidence.
AnnaTheApple recently posted…The day before the Cheddar Gorge Marathon
I haven’t tried supplements, but I feel like I need to. The most I do is take an iron supplement because I tend to become anemic.
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl recently posted…My favorite fitness hacks
Iron supplements are quite popular with runners I think.
AnnaTheApple recently posted…The day before the Cheddar Gorge Marathon
I don’t take supplements but have been looking into a few. I really appreciate your post. It was very informative for me. You rock!
Jessie recently posted…Fun Survey + journalMENU Giveaway Winner!
Thanks Jessie! 🙂
AnnaTheApple recently posted…The day before the Cheddar Gorge Marathon
It is great blog post. Helpful and Informative blog. I am always read your blog. Thanks for sharing these information with us.