Vitamins recommended for long distance runners

[mtaricani]

Are there any vitamins recommended for long distance runners?

[droopy]

I think it depends.

If you run a lot of miles be sure to ask for a ferritin test to be added to any standard blood panel the next time your doctor orders a routine blood test. If the ferritin level is low you may need to supplement iron even if you're a guy. OTOH, supplementing iron when you don't need it can be extremely bad mojo.

A higher than normal intake of minerals may make sense if you're training hard. I take extra if I've had any night cramps.

Beyond that, I think circumstances vary between different people more than runner vs non-runner.

One other thing: very high milleage women runners may need to worry about bone loss even if they are not remotely underweight. I haven't ever encountered a guy who has had problems with this but know a number of women who have gotten really horrific fractures. I have no idea if vitamins would have helped.

[Fast Eddie]

I take a multi vitamin that is suppositly geared to the active person.  It has a higher concentration of B vitamins plus Ginseng.  Whether it makes a difference or not, can't say for sure.

[iwuzwilson]

You don't run 26 miles at five minutes a mile on good looks and a secret recipe. Olympic Gold Medalist Frank Shorter

A good well-rounded diet. Some might need some vitamin supplements but I think there is a lot of marketing at play. If I had to narrow it down it would be iron for, C for immunity and cell heath, blood oxygenation, calcium for bones, and Vit D in northern or southern temperate regions. A standard 1 a day vitamin is plenty for most people. Up here in the far north they recommend mega doses of Vitamin D through the winter.

[Beauruns]

I have been using The Runner's Multivitamin. It is a wholefood Multivitamin with tons of magnesium, B12 and also Arginine that turns into nitric oxide in your body. I am feeling a really good effect from it and get it for my family also. I think it is one of the best out there.

[Arrojo]

Vitamin D is good for everyone, distance runners, sprinters, and even non-runners!  Especially in winter for those in northern climates.  If you spend a lot fo time in the sun (with sun screen I hope), then Vitamin D is not as important.

[Richard21142]

You don't run 26 miles at five minutes a mile on good looks and a secret recipe. Olympic Gold Medalist Frank Shorter

A good well-rounded diet. Some might need some vitamin supplements but I think there is a lot of marketing at play. If I had to narrow it down it would be iron for, C for immunity and cell heath, blood oxygenation, calcium for bones, and Vit D in northern or southern temperate regions. A standard 1 a day vitamin is plenty for most people. Up here in the far north they recommend mega doses of Vitamin D through the winter.

Since I'm already taking the above supplements; I have to agree with you.  What is a mega does of vitamin D?  My wife was taking 10,000 units per day and her doctor told her to cut way back.  She was getting some very interesting results, though.

[iwuzwilson]

Since I'm already taking the above supplements; I have to agree with you.  What is a mega does of vitamin D?  My wife was taking 10,000 units per day and her doctor told her to cut way back.  She was getting some very interesting results, though.

About 2-3X the recommended dose of 600 IU. We were taking 2000 IU a day for the last several years there.

Add another, Vitamin I. Can't seem to get away from it. 

[Richard21142]

About 2-3X the recommended dose of 600 IU. We were taking 2000 IU a day for the last several years there.

Add another, Vitamin I. Can't seem to get away from it. 

I take 1000 in each day and I felt the difference almost immediately.  My wife has something similar to restless leg and the high doses of vitamin D reduced the incidence by about 90 percent.

[iwuzwilson]

I take 1000 in each day and I felt the difference almost immediately.  My wife has something similar to restless leg and the high doses of vitamin D reduced the incidence by about 90 percent.

I think my wife was on about 4000 for a winter or two, and she's also had restless leg syndrome. Through March was on about 1000 over the winter here, even though there is a lot of sun.

[Ice Cream]

I do not take anything, but I eat healthful meals every day.

[merigayle]

I would get routine bloodwork to check your magnesium, iron, B vitamins and go from there.

[Arrojo]

I do not take anything, but I eat healthful meals every day.

  You heretic you.