Research

Mixed

Post-exercise recovery of muscle function from eccentric damage is accelerated by a protein-polyphenol beverage, but this acceleration is not mechanistically explained by increased myofibrillar protein synthesis (MyoPS) or suppression of inflammatory/regenerative gene expression.

If you are recovering from intense eccentric exercise (like heavy lifting or downhill running), consuming a protein-polyphenol beverage may help you regain strength faster than a placebo. However, do not expect this to build more muscle or reduce inflammation more than standard recovery. The benefit is likely due to factors other than protein synthesis or inflammation control, such as improved cellular energy or signaling not measured here. Focus on consistent protein intake rather than specific 'anti-inflammatory' supplements for recovery speed.

GoodRefutesHIGH confidence
These results suggest that accelerated recovery from EE is not explained by elevated MyoPS or suppression of inflammation.
George F. Pavis et al. · American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism · 2020

Why this rating

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with direct measurement of MyoPS via deuterated water and comprehensive gene expression analysis.

Source

Improved recovery from skeletal muscle damage is largely unexplained by myofibrillar protein synthesis or inflammatory and regenerative gene expression pathways

George F. Pavis et al. · American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism · 2020

DOI 10.1152/ajpendo.00454.2020

rct · n=18Cited 37×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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