The Effects of Pomegranate Supplementation on Markers of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background

Pomegranate supplementation has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, with some evidence suggesting it may accelerate recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), including metabolic, mechanical, and neuromuscular recovery.

Objectives

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of pomegranate supplementation on markers of EIMD.

Methods

A systematic search of Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science up to January 2024 identified studies evaluating pomegranate supplementation and exercise recovery. Studies involving athletes and nonathletes aged 18–55 were included. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were calculated for EIMD markers. Study quality was assessed using a modified physiotherapy evidence database scale. This review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (ID: CRD42024536905).

Results

Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pomegranate supplementation did not significantly affect markers of metabolic recovery, including myoglobin (WMD: –1.344 ng/mL; 95% confidence interval (CI): –4.11, 1.42 ng/mL, P = 0.342) and creatine kinase (WMD: –11.990 U/L; 95% CI: –28.64, 4.66 U/L, P = 0.158), or neuromuscular recovery, as indicated by lactate concentrations (WMD: –0.093 mmol/L; 95% CI: –0.39, 0.21 mmol/L, P = 0.546). Muscle soreness also remained unchanged (WMD: 0.999; 95% CI: –0.18, 2.17, P = 0.097). However, a significant reduction in lactate dehydrogenase amounts (WMD: –21.152 U/L; 95% CI: –39.29, –3.01 U/L, P = 0.022) immediately postexercise suggests a short-term protective effect against mechanical muscle damage.

Conclusions

Pomegranate supplementation does not appear to enhance overall recovery markers for EIMD but may offer short-term benefits for mechanical muscle damage. Standardizing supplementation regimens, dosages, and exercise protocols is crucial to better understand the potential benefits of pomegranate supplementation in EIMD recovery.