In the ever-evolving world of endurance sports, fresh innovations often appear, each promising to enhance training efficiency or minimize fatigue during races. Recently, a curious new supplement has emerged on the scene: a flavorful shot derived from broccoli.
Cole Hocker mentioned consuming this shot prior to his world championship victory in the 5,000m, while Andreas Almgren credits it for his record-setting half-marathon performance. This unique supplement is also garnering attention from marathoners and Olympic skiers alike.
The Source of the Excitement
The supplement that has piqued the interest of many athletes is called Nomio. Formulated from broccoli sprouts, it comes in a compact liquid form, providing concentrated levels of isothiocyanates (ITCs), which are beneficial compounds for athletes. While we typically obtain small amounts of these compounds from a regular diet, Nomio offers them in a more potent dose capable of producing measurable effects on performance.
Initial studies have indicated notable changes in various markers associated with athletes during intense exercise. These include reduced lactate levels at specific intensities and signs of decreased physical stress during demanding training phases. According to Outside, athletes have also shown a tendency to sustain their efforts longer in controlled conditions after using the supplement. However, it’s important to note that these findings don’t directly translate into improved times for a 5K or marathon.
The Growing Popularity
What draws runners to this supplement isn’t just the prospect of lower lactate levels but the potential impact on the body’s adaptive response to training. Traditionally, high-dose antioxidants have raised concerns, as they can sometimes suppress the very signals that prompt the body to adapt. In contrast, the compounds found in broccoli may enhance the body’s response to training stress rather than inhibit it.
Elisabeth Scott, a coach and host of the Running Explained podcast, elaborates on Instagram: “Instead of functioning like typical antioxidants—which can diminish training results—ITCs from broccoli sprouts act as pro-oxidants, potentially aiding your body’s adaptation to training stress.”
Is It Worth Trying?
Among athletes who have used the shots, opinions vary, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Some find it challenging to distinguish between the supplement’s effects and the benefits of regular training. The shots are priced at approximately $40 CAD for a pack of four, and many find the flavor less than enjoyable. “We market it because it works, not because it’s tasty,” said Emil Sjölander, one of Nomio’s founders, describing the taste as “a mix of wood and Dijon mustard.”
In summary, further research is necessary to clarify whether this green shot genuinely delivers significant benefits. While it may not detract from your training regimen, the investment might not be justified. “You’ll likely gain far more from regular training, carbohydrates, and adequate sleep than from a $7 broccoli shot,” Scott states. “Yet, it marks an intriguing shift in how we consider recovery and performance.”
