Can You Take Tart Cherry Extract and Vitamin C Together?

May affect absorption

The short answer

Tart cherry extract is rich in anthocyanin antioxidants, and combining with high-dose vitamin C provides additive antioxidant activity. Excessive antioxidant loading around training may blunt the adaptive stress response needed for muscle growth.

How to arrange timing

Avoid combining high-dose antioxidants around training if muscle adaptation is the priority. Use them at other times of day.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Gomez-Cabrera MC et al. Oral administration of vitamin C decreases muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and hampers training-induced adaptations in endurance performance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008;87(1):142-149

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.