Comparative effects of plant-derived anthocyanin- and flavanol-rich supplements on recovery outcomes after exercise-induced muscle damage: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Xu KX, Chang J, Wu YJ, Chen HW, Zheng JW, Liu C
Published in Front Nutr, Vol. 13, pp. 1857527
Methodology
Systematic review and frequentist network meta-analysis of 30 randomised trials (595 healthy adults) comparing eight plant-derived anthocyanin- or flavanol-rich supplements with placebo or control after exercise-induced muscle damage. Primary outcomes at 48 h: soreness (DOMS), strength, CK and CRP. Risk of bias by RoB 2.0; certainty by CINeMA.
Key Findings
Only pomegranate and tart cherry significantly reduced 48 h DOMS versus placebo, ranking first and second. Tart cherry was the only supplement with significant DOMS reduction at both 24 h and 72 h. No supplement showed a clear advantage for strength, CK or CRP.
Conclusions
Polyphenol supplements did not give consistent benefits across recovery outcomes; their main value appears to be reducing soreness, with tart cherry showing the most consistent pattern.
Limitations
Certainty of evidence generally low; estimates varied by protocol, outcome definition and comparator.
Supplements Studied
tart cherry was the only supplement associated with significant DOMS reduction at both 24 h and 72 h
Outcomes Measured
Their main potential value appears to lie in reducing DOMS
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.