Tart Cherry Supplementation and Recovery From Strenuous Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#biomarkers #c-reactive-protein #creatine-kinase #dietary-supplements #exercise

Tart Cherry Supplementation and Recovery From Strenuous Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Hill et al., 2021 | Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab | Meta Analysis

Citation

Hill Jessica Amie, Keane Karen Mary, ... Howatson Glyn. Tart Cherry Supplementation and Recovery From Strenuous Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2021-Mar-01;31(2):154-167. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.2020-0145

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of tart cherry (TC) supplementation on recovery following strenuous exercise. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using studies investigating TC supplementation on measures of muscle soreness, muscular strength, muscular power, creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, Interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. A literature search ending in July 2020 was conducted in three databases (SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and PubMed). Data from 14 studies were extracted and pooled for analysis. Tart cherry supplementation had a small beneficial effect in reducing muscle soreness (effect size [ES] = -0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.87, -0.02]). A moderate beneficial effect was observed for recovery of muscular strength (ES = -0.78, 95% CI [-1.11, -0.46]). A moderate effect was observed for muscular power (ES = -0.53, 95% CI [-0.77, -0.29]); a further subgroup analysis on this variable indicated a large effect of TC supplementation on recovery of jump height (ES = -0.82, 95% CI [-1.18, -0.45]) and a small significant effect of supplementation on sprint time (ES = -0.32, 95% CI [-0.60, -0.04]). A small effect was observed for both C-reactive protein (ES = -0.46, 95% CI [-0.93, -0.00]) and Interleukin-6 (ES = -0.35, 95% CI [-0.68, -0.02]. No significant effects were observed for creatine kinase and tumor necrosis factor alpha. These results indicate that the consumption of a TC supplement can aid aspects of recovery from strenuous exercise.

Key Findings

These results indicate that the consumption of a TC supplement can aid aspects of recovery from strenuous exercise.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 14
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Biomarkers
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Creatine Kinase
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Exercise
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6
  • Muscle Strength
  • Myalgia
  • Prunus avium
  • Research Design
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: creatine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09