Considering the vast array of supplements marketed towards cyclists for reducing muscle soreness and recovery time, its surprising how few have been rigorously scientifically tested. Glutamine, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and creatine are often cited as staples, but others like L-carnitine, HMB, and beetroot juice also have their proponents. Whats striking, however, is the lack of consensus on which of these supplements are truly effective. Some swear by the benefits of antioxidant supplements like CoQ10 or N-acetylcysteine, while others claim theyre a waste of money. Given the disparate opinions, its time to take a closer look: are these supplements genuinely worth the investment for serious cyclists, or are they merely a placebo effect? Should we be focusing on a specific type of supplement, or is a well-balanced diet and adequate hydration enough to support recovery?