Performance supplements: what's science and what's snake oil? Brady Holmer

To hear the marketing team at one of any number of different sport supplement companies tell it, your next personal best is just one sip, slurp, or shot away. Whether it’s the latest super-food concentrate, the greatest powdered potion, or maybe even a new topical gel, the market for performance supplementation is a crowded one, with each new product promising some combination of performance buzzwords like optimal recovery, reduced blood lactate, greater muscular endurance or delayed onset fatigue. But with so many options out there, is there really one “silver bullet” when it comes to maximizing performance, and where does good old fashioned hard work fit into the mix in the age of “performance stacking” supplements? In the second instalment of *The Shakeout Podcas*t's series on running buzzwords we’re joined by sports science writer **Brady Holmer** to help us cut through the hype and understand the science behind some of today’s most talked-about performance-hacking supplements. From beetroot and bi-carb to ketones and creatine, Brady has not only applied his background in human performance to understanding  the science behind the supplements but has put them to the test in the real world as a high level marathoner himself. Tune in this week as  we take a deep dive into the science of supplements to help you figure out how these supposed performance boosters work, how they measure up against their own claims, and what’s worth really your time and money when it comes to maximizing performance. Check out Brady on Substack: Physiologicallyspeaking.com X - @brady\_h Instagram - @brady.j.holmer Subscribe to *The Shakeout Podcast* on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you find your podcasts.  **\[This collaboration is part of an advertising campaign led by the Podpass agency for Altitude Sports]**  **Shop now at Altitude Sports and enjoy up to 20% off your first order with the promo code "shakeout2026" Click here to order 👉** https://bit.ly/altitude-shakeout2026 ***Shop The North Face Summit Series*** https://www.thenorthface.com/en-ca/collections/summit-series