Study Finds That Tart Cherry Juice Could Aid Recovery After Exercise

12 Aug 2016 --- The study published in the Journal Nutrients shows that consumption of Montmorency tart cherry juice may improve athletic performance and aid in recovery after exercise.

The UK research team, led by Glyn Howatson at Northumbria University, conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to identify the effects of Montmorency tart cherry juice on recovery among a new population of athletes following prolonged, intermittent exercise.

The study involved 16 semi-professional male soccer players aged 21–29 who were randomly assigned to either a Montmorency tart cherry concentrate group or a placebo control group. 

Montmorency group participants consumed about 1 oz (30 mL) of a commercially available Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate mixed with 100 mL of water twice per day for seven consecutive days. This dosage of Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate contained a total anthocyanin content of 73.5 mg, or the equivalent of about 90 whole Montmorency tart cherries.

Following the same schedule, placebo group participants consumed a calorie-matched fruit cordial with less than 5% fruit mixed with water and maltodextrin. 

Across every performance measure, including maximal voluntary isometric contraction, countermovement jump height, 20 m sprint time, knee extensors, and 5-0-5 agility, the Montmorency tart cherry group showed better performance than the placebo group. 

Additionally, the Montmorency group showed significantly lower levels of Interleukin-6, a marker for inflammation, particularly immediately post-trial. 

Ratings for muscle soreness were significantly lower in the Montmorency group across the 72-hour post-trial period. No significant effects in muscle damage or oxidative stress were observed in either the Montmorency group or the placebo group.

Researchers stated that while additional research is needed, the dampening of the post-exercise inflammatory processes might be responsible for the study results.

They hope new findings suggest Montmorency tart cherry juice may benefit athletes involved in prolonged, repeat sprint activity, such as soccer, rugby, and lacrosse.