Kale Sprouts and Lactate: What Runners Need to Know — image accompanying Marathon Handbook's report. Image accompanying Marathon Handbook’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Marathon Handbook reports on a study about kale sprouts and lactate levels. Healthy adults drank a kale sprout beverage before cycling. Lactate levels dropped slightly, but no performance changes noted. Researchers caution against performance assumptions.
The study involved 15 participants, cycling at submaximal rates. They consumed a beverage with red kale sprouts, broccoli sprouts, or a placebo. Results showed a small lactate reduction but no performance boost. Marathon Handbook advises against altering routines based on these findings. Read more culture coverage.
Marathon Handbook emphasizes that while kale sprouts may lower lactate, it does not guarantee better performance. Runners should maintain their current lactate-threshold targets and supplement routines. Kale remains a healthy dietary option. Related: Edmonton Marathon Course Measurement Error Explained.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about Kale Sprouts and Lactate: What Runners Need to Know?
Study shows kale sprouts may lower lactate, but impact on performance unclear Marathon Handbook reports on a study about kale sprouts and lactate levels. Healthy adults drank a kale sprout beverage before cycling. Lactate levels dropped slightly, but no performance changes noted. Researchers caution against performance assumptions.
When did Runner World publish this culture brief?
Runner World published this brief on September 5, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated September 3, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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