Influence of tart cherry juice on indices of recovery following marathon running
Howatson G, McHugh MP, Hill JA, Brouner J, Jewell AP, van Someren KA, et al.
Published in Scand J Med Sci Sports, Vol. 20 (6), pp. 843-52
Methodology
Randomised placebo-controlled trial in 20 recreational marathon runners who drank tart cherry juice or placebo for 5 days before, on the day of, and for 48 h after a marathon.
Key Findings
Isometric strength recovered faster with cherry juice (P = 0.024). IL-6 (P<0.001), CRP (P<0.01) and uric acid (P<0.05) were lower, and total antioxidant status was about 10% higher. Other muscle damage markers did not differ.
Conclusions
Tart cherry juice may aid recovery after strenuous running by increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing inflammation.
Limitations
Small sample; most muscle damage markers, including soreness, were unchanged.
Supplements Studied
Isometric strength recovered significantly faster (P=0.024) in the cherry juice group
Outcomes Measured
Isometric strength recovered significantly faster (P=0.024) in the cherry juice group
Inflammation was reduced in the cherry juice group
No other damage indices were significantly different
Study Details
Access Study
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.