2/5
Weak
evidence
Recovery evidence brief
High-dose vitamin C/E
High-dose antioxidant vitamins are not a reliable recovery or performance upgrade and may interfere with some training signals.
Headline Finding
Meta-analyses and RCTs show no dependable recovery benefit and possible interference with adaptation signaling.
Dose Context
Food-level vitamin intake is different from chronic high-dose pills near key training sessions.
Important Caveat
Do not frame antioxidant megadosing as universally recovery-positive; timing, dose, and training phase matter.
Source Drawer
Linked Research
- Meta-analysis Strength training meta-analysis
- Meta-analysis Adaptation meta-analysis
- Trial Resistance training RCT
- Trial Endurance adaptation RCT
- Systematic review DOMS systematic review
How To Read This Rating
The score reflects evidence that the supplement does its stated job. Some jobs are direct, such as strength, endurance, or recovery; others are indirect, such as sleep, mood, appetite, or health support. A real effect can still receive a cautious practical rating when dose, safety, product quality, or audience fit remain uncertain.
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