Research
Creatine Monohydrate
106 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
Additional Benefits of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Muscle Strength, Muscle Mass Gain and Training Performance - A Systematic Review
This systematic review synthesizes evidence from various studies to evaluate the impact of creatine monohydrate supplementation on muscle strength, muscle mass gain, and training performance. The review concludes that long-term creatine supplementation positively impacts muscle strength, muscle mass gain, and training performance, enhancing strength, hypertrophy, recovery, exercise capacity, and high-intensity performance.
EFFECTIVENESS OF CREATINE SUPPLEMENTATION IN STRENGTH SPORTS – A REVIEW
This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of creatine supplementation in improving muscle strength, lean body mass, endurance, recovery, and related functional parameters based on evidence from 49 scientific publications. Creatine consistently improved strength and lean mass when combined with resistance training, with younger adults experiencing faster and larger gains. Creatine monohydrate was more effective than alternative forms, and loading phases were not required for results.
The effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 RCTs involving 492 participants assessing the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on cognitive function in adults. Creatine showed significant positive effects on memory, attention time, and processing speed, but not on overall cognitive function or executive function. Benefits were more pronounced in individuals with diseases, those aged 18-60 years, and females.
Athletes Who Consume Creatine Have a Greater Muscle Mass and Sports Performance: A Systematic Review
Systematic review assessing the effects of creatine supplementation on muscle mass growth and sports performance in athletes. The review supports creatine's use for improving lean muscle mass and sports performance.
Assessment of the Efficacy in Athletes and Non-Athletes of the Use of Creatine Monohydrate in Physical Exercise: A Systematic Review
Systematic review of clinical trials assessing creatine monohydrate supplementation in athletes and non-athletes. The review found significant improvements in body composition, jump capacity, and strength performance, though results were heterogeneous.
Effects of Creatine Monohydrate on Endurance Performance in a Trained Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on endurance performance in a trained population. The analysis of 13 studies showed a non-significant change in endurance performance, indicating creatine monohydrate was ineffective for this purpose.
The Paradoxical Effect of Creatine Monohydrate on Muscle Damage Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of creatine monohydrate (CrM) on muscle damage markers and performance following muscle-damaging exercises. The analysis included 23 studies with 469 participants. CrM supplementation showed a paradoxical effect, reducing exercise-induced muscle damage as an acute training response but potentially exacerbating it as a chronic training response. The study suggests CrM may be effective in minimizing muscle damage after a single exercise bout, but long-term effects on training adaptations remain unclear.
Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Females Taking Oral Creatine Monohydrate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of creatine monohydrate supplementation in females, focusing on adverse outcomes. No deaths or serious adverse outcomes were reported, and no significant differences in total adverse events, gastrointestinal events, weight gain, or renal and hepatic function were found.
Effect of creatine monohydrate on clinical progression in patients with Parkinson disease: a randomized clinical trial.
RCT of 1741 patients with early and treated Parkinson disease comparing creatine monohydrate (10 g/d) to placebo over a minimum of 5 years. The trial was terminated early for futility, with no detectable differences in clinical outcomes between the groups.
Effects of 6 weeks of high-dose creatine monohydrate supplementation with or without guanidinoacetic acid on cognitive function
This study investigated the effects of 6 weeks of high-dose creatine monohydrate supplementation, with or without guanidinoacetic acid, on cognitive function in 66 healthy adults. Results showed that creatine monohydrate with guanidinoacetic acid improved reaction times and cognitive function, suggesting potential cognitive benefits.
Effects of six weeks of high-dose creatine monohydrate supplementation with or without guanidinoacetic acid on homocysteine and markers of health
This study examined the effects of six weeks of high-dose creatine monohydrate supplementation with or without guanidinoacetic acid on homocysteine and health markers in 66 healthy adults. Results showed that creatine monohydrate supplementation did not negatively affect homocysteine or clinical blood markers, suggesting it can be safely used for improving cognitive function.
Efficacy and safety profile of oral creatine monohydrate in add-on to cognitive-behavioural therapy in depression: An 8-week pilot, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled feasibility and exploratory trial in an under-resourced area.
This pilot feasibility and exploratory RCT investigated the effects of creatine monohydrate in addition to cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) versus placebo plus CBT in 100 participants with depression. After 8 weeks, PHQ-9 depression scores were significantly lower in the creatine group compared to placebo, suggesting creatine as a useful and safe adjunct to CBT for depression.
Pilot study protocol of a randomized controlled trial for the potential effects of creatine monohydrate on persistent post-concussive symptoms
This is a protocol for a double-blinded randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of creatine monohydrate on persistent post-concussive symptoms using the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire. Participants will be between 25 and 35 years of age, suffering from PPCS for 6–12 months, and will be randomly allocated to intervention, placebo, or control groups over a 7-week study period.
Effects of Low Doses of L-Carnitine Tartrate and Lipid Multi-Particulate Formulated Creatine Monohydrate on Muscle Protein Synthesis in Myoblasts and Bioavailability in Humans and Rodents.
The study investigated the synergy between low doses of L-carnitine tartrate and creatine monohydrate on muscle protein synthesis in human myoblasts and assessed the bioavailability of creatine with LMP formulation in rodents and humans. The combination led to increased protein synthesis and anabolic signaling in myoblasts, and improved creatine bioavailability in rodents and humans.
Dietary creatine intake and depression risk among U.S. adults
Observational study using NHANES data to examine the association between dietary creatine intake and depression risk among U.S. adults. An inverse association was found, with lower depression prevalence in higher creatine intake quartiles, particularly among females, younger adults, and those not on antidepressant/anxiolytic medication.
Effect of the Combination of Creatine Monohydrate Plus HMB Supplementation on Sports Performance, Body Composition, Markers of Muscle Damage and Hormone Status: A Systematic Review.
Systematic review of six articles examining the effects of creatine monohydrate plus HMB on sports performance, body composition, markers of muscle damage, and hormone status. The combination showed potential positive effects on strength and anaerobic performance, and improvements in body composition, but no benefits on markers of muscle damage or anabolic-catabolic hormones.
The CREST-E study of creatine for Huntington disease: A randomized controlled trial.
RCT of creatine monohydrate in 553 participants with early symptoms of Huntington disease, comparing up to 40 g daily of creatine to placebo over 48 months. The study found no benefit of creatine in slowing functional decline, with adverse events more common in the creatine group.
Short-term creatine supplementation enhances strength, reduces fatigue, and accelerates recovery in resistance-trained athletes: a double-blind, randomized, crossover trial.
This double-blind, randomized crossover trial investigated the effects of short-term creatine monohydrate supplementation on strength performance, heart rate variability, and recovery in resistance-trained males. Creatine supplementation significantly increased repetitions, velocity, and power in strength exercises, reduced cardiovascular strain, and enhanced recovery, suggesting it as an effective ergogenic strategy for athletes.
The Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Recovery from Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Considering Sex and Age Differences.
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 40 participants examined the effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on recovery from eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. The creatine group showed quicker recovery of maximal voluntary contraction, reduced muscle fatigue, and a sex-specific suppression of post-exercise edema in females, suggesting enhanced recovery and maintenance of muscle function.
Effects of a Blend of Trisodium Citrate, Creatine Monohydrate, Leucine, and Blueberry Extract on Training-Induced Changes in Leg Extension Strength, Endurance, and Muscle Size.
RCT comparing 8 weeks of supplementation with a blend of trisodium citrate, creatine monohydrate, leucine, and blueberry extract (TCLB) versus creatine monohydrate (CM) and placebo in 28 recreationally active men. TCLB and CM increased quadriceps muscle size more than placebo, but TCLB did not differ from CM. No differences were found in leg extension strength and endurance among groups.
Gastrointestinal and Fluid Retention Symptoms Associated with Creatine Monohydrate With and Without Loading Dose Over 28 Days of Supplementation
A 28-day single-blind RCT investigated the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms and fluid retention associated with creatine monohydrate supplementation, with and without a loading phase, in 24 healthy adults. The study found that creatine monohydrate is generally safe but frequently associated with mild to severe GI symptoms, with a trend toward greater frequency and severity in the loading dose group.
The effects of creatine loading on cellular integrity and jump performance across the menstrual cycle
RCT evaluating the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on cellular integrity and jump performance in 20 moderately active females across the menstrual cycle. Creatine supplementation improved cellular health as indicated by phase angle measurements and helped maintain physical performance, particularly in the luteal phase.
Muscle creatine levels and sprint performance in young adult vegans and vegetarians after 7 days of creatine monohydrate supplementation.
RCT examining the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on muscle creatine content and exercise performance in 15 vegans and vegetarians. Creatine supplementation increased muscle creatine and total muscle creatine levels, but did not change phosphocreatine levels or improve peak and mean power output during repeated sprints.
Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Loading on Sleep Metrics, Physical Performance, Cognitive Function, and Recovery in Physically Active Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial with 14 physically active men investigated the effects of creatine monohydrate (CrM) loading on sleep metrics, physical performance, cognitive function, and recovery. CrM improved subjective sleep quality, cognitive performance, and physical output during high-intensity exercise, and reduced muscle soreness, but did not significantly affect objective sleep parameters or recovery markers up to 72 hours post-exercise.
Effect of creatine monohydrate on motor function in children with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial.
A multicenter, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial tested creatine monohydrate on motor function in children with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. No clinically meaningful difference was observed in the primary outcome, but there were trends toward improvement in secondary outcomes like the 6-minute walk distance. Creatine monohydrate was safe and well tolerated.
Creatine monohydrate supplementation strategies on body composition and water distribution in female recreational athletes
This study examined the impact of two creatine monohydrate supplementation strategies on body composition and water distribution in 11 female recreational athletes over 14 days. Despite different supplementation strategies, no significant changes were observed in body mass, body fat percentage, fat mass, lean soft tissue, or fat-free mass. However, the loading strategy decreased the extracellular water to total body water ratio, suggesting potential benefits for intracellular water and nutrient retention.
Supplementing With Which Form of Creatine (Hydrochloride or Monohydrate) Alongside Resistance Training Can Have More Impacts on Anabolic/Catabolic Hormones, Strength and Body Composition?
RCT comparing the effects of creatine monohydrate and creatine hydrochloride supplementation alongside resistance training on anabolic/catabolic hormones, strength, and body composition in 40 participants aged 18-25. Both forms of creatine significantly enhanced strength, hypertrophy, and hormonal responses, with no additional benefit of Cr-HCl over CrM.
Effects of a Low Dose of Orally Administered Creatine Monohydrate on Post-Fatigue Muscle Power in Young Soccer Players.
RCT of 28 young soccer players assessing the effect of low-dose creatine monohydrate on muscle power after acute intra-session fatigue. The study found that oral creatine supplementation increased muscle power in the participants.
The Effect of Prior Creatine Intake for 28 Days on Accelerated Recovery from Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effect of creatine monohydrate on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage in 20 healthy men. The creatine group showed significantly improved range of motion, maximum voluntary contraction, and reduced muscle fatigue compared to the placebo group, indicating accelerated recovery.
Effect of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Macro- and Microvascular Endothelial Function in Older Adults: A Pilot Study.
A pilot study investigated the effect of creatine monohydrate on vascular endothelial function in older adults. In a double-blind, randomized crossover trial with 12 participants, creatine monohydrate supplementation significantly improved macrovascular and microvascular function, as well as reduced fasting glucose and triglycerides.
The role of resistance training and creatine supplementation on oxidative stress, antioxidant defense, muscle strength, and quality of life in older adults.
RCT evaluating the effect of resistance training with creatine monohydrate supplementation on oxidative stress, antioxidant defense, muscle strength, and quality of life in 45 older adults. Significant improvements in antioxidant markers, muscle strength, and quality of life were observed, with more pronounced muscle strength gains in the creatine group.
The Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Loading on Exercise Recovery in Active Women throughout the Menstrual Cycle.
This randomized, double-blind, cross-over study evaluated the effect of creatine monohydrate loading on exercise recovery and performance in 39 women across the menstrual cycle. Creatine supplementation did not significantly influence HRV values but showed a significant phase-supplement interaction for fatigue index, suggesting potential benefits in the high hormone phase.
Creatine monohydrate supplementation changes total body water and DXA lean mass estimates in female collegiate dancers
RCT investigating the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on body composition, performance, and cognitive function in female collegiate dancers. Creatine supplementation significantly increased total body water and lean mass estimates.
Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation, but not Creatyl-L-Leucine, Increased Muscle Creatine Content in Healthy Young Adults: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.
Double-blind RCT with 29 healthy adults comparing creatine monohydrate and creatyl-L-leucine supplementation over 14 days. Creatine monohydrate significantly increased muscle creatine content, while creatyl-L-leucine did not.
A randomized open-labeled study to examine the effects of creatine monohydrate and combined training on jump and scoring performance in young basketball players.
This randomized open-labeled study evaluated the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation during a strength and conditioning training program on lower-limb strength and performance in under-16 basketball players. Creatine supplementation increased lower-limb ABK power and scoring performance.
No evidence for brown adipose tissue activation after creatine supplementation in adult vegetarians.
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial in 14 young, healthy, vegetarian adults to assess the effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on brown adipose tissue activation. The study found no significant enhancement in BAT activation after acute cold exposure with creatine supplementation.
Effect of Ten Weeks of Creatine Monohydrate Plus HMB Supplementation on Athletic Performance Tests in Elite Male Endurance Athletes.
This placebo-controlled, double-blind trial studied the effects of 10 weeks of creatine monohydrate plus HMB supplementation on sports performance in elite male rowers. The CrM-HMB group showed significantly higher aerobic power at W8 compared to other groups, indicating a synergistic effect on performance.
Creatine supplementation improves performance, but is it safe? Double-blind placebo-controlled study.
Double-blind placebo-controlled study of creatine monohydrate supplementation in 18 males performing resistance training. Creatine improved performance and body weight without adverse effects on blood, urine, hepatic, or renal health indicators.
Acute and chronic safety and efficacy of dose dependent creatine nitrate supplementation and exercise performance.
Two studies investigated the safety and exercise performance effects of creatine nitrate (CrN) supplementation. Study 1 involved 13 participants in a crossover design to assess safety, while Study 2 involved 48 participants in a 28-day trial to assess performance. CrN was well-tolerated and showed similar performance benefits to creatine monohydrate, with significant increases in bench press lifting volume and peak power for the CrN-High group.
Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Augmentation on Brain Metabolic and Network Outcome Measures in Women With Major Depressive Disorder.
RCT of creatine monohydrate augmentation in 52 women with major depressive disorder receiving escitalopram. Creatine group showed greater improvement in depressive symptoms and increased prefrontal N-acetylaspartate levels and rich club hub connections compared to placebo.
A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of oral creatine monohydrate augmentation for enhanced response to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in women with major depressive disorder.
RCT of 52 women with major depressive disorder comparing SSRI treatment with creatine monohydrate augmentation to placebo. Creatine group showed significantly greater improvements in HAM-D score as early as week 2, maintained through weeks 4 and 8.
Creatine monohydrate in ALS: effects on strength, fatigue, respiratory status and ALSFRS.
RCT of 107 ALS patients comparing daily creatine monohydrate (5 g/d) to placebo over nine months. Creatine monohydrate did not significantly improve motor, respiratory, or functional capacity, but showed a trend toward improved survival.
Treatment for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Systematic review of randomized and quasi-randomized trials for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease treatments. Small trials of exercise, creatine, purified brain gangliosides, and orthoses showed no significant benefit. A very small trial of neurotrophin-3 showed possible minor benefit, needing replication in larger trials.
Few adverse effects of long-term creatine supplementation in a placebo-controlled trial.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of creatine monohydrate in 175 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to assess adverse effects and renal function markers. No significant differences in adverse effects were found between creatine and placebo groups, and long-term creatine supplementation did not increase plasma urea levels or micro-albuminuria prevalence.
A randomized sequential trial of creatine in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, sequential clinical trial assessed the effect of creatine monohydrate on survival and disease progression in 175 ALS patients. The trial found no evidence of a beneficial effect of creatine on survival or functional measurements, with similar survival probabilities between the creatine and placebo groups.
A Convergent Functional Genomics Analysis to Identify Biological Regulators Mediating Effects of Creatine Supplementation
The paper performs a convergent functional genomics analysis to identify biological regulators mediating the effects of creatine supplementation. It identifies pathways and biological processes affected by creatine monohydrate, suggesting potential health and therapeutic benefits, and highlights the need for further clinical research.
IMPACT OF CREATINE MONOHYDRATE ON BODY MASS OF SWIMMERS
Study on the impact of creatine monohydrate on body mass in 60 male swimmers aged 21-25. After 21 days of creatine supplementation, significant differences in body mass were observed.
Creatine monohydrate supplementation during eight weeks of progressive resistance training increases strength in as little as two weeks without reducing markers of muscle damage.
RCT of creatine monohydrate supplementation during eight weeks of resistance training in young males. Creatine increased strength in as little as two weeks without reducing markers of muscle damage. Muscle damage markers increased with creatine, possibly due to greater training intensity.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept trial of creatine monohydrate as adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of creatine monohydrate as adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression in 35 patients. The study found no significant difference in MADRS score changes between groups, but creatine showed significant superiority in remission rates. Two patients switched to hypomania/mania early in the trial.
Effect of low dose, short-term creatine supplementation on muscle power output in elite youth soccer players.
RCT of low-dose, short-term creatine monohydrate supplementation in 19 elite youth soccer players. Significant increases in peak power output, mean power output, and total work were observed after creatine supplementation compared to placebo.
No effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on inflammatory and cartilage degradation biomarkers in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
RCT evaluating the effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on inflammation and cartilage degradation biomarkers in 18 patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study found no significant differences between the creatine and placebo groups in inflammatory biomarkers, cartilage degradation, KOOS scores, or muscle strength after 12 weeks.
Cognitive effects of creatine monohydrate adjunctive therapy in patients with bipolar depression: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
RCT of 18 patients with bipolar depression testing creatine monohydrate 6g daily as adjunctive therapy for 6 weeks. The creatine group showed significant improvement in verbal fluency tests, but no significant differences in other neuropsychological tests.
Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation Does Not Augment Fitness, Performance, or Body Composition Adaptations in Response to Four Weeks of High-Intensity Interval Training in Young Females.
RCT investigating the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation combined with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in 17 recreationally active females. The study found that while HIIT improved cardiorespiratory fitness, ventilatory threshold, and time-trial performance, creatine supplementation did not augment these improvements or affect body composition.
A pilot dose-finding clinical trial of creatine monohydrate augmentation to SSRIs/SNRIs/NASA antidepressant treatment in major depression.
Pilot dose-finding RCT of creatine monohydrate augmentation in 18 patients with major depression not responding to antidepressants. No overall difference between creatine and placebo, but two female patients showed early improvement with creatine. No clinically relevant side effects reported.
Effects of creatine supplementation in Rett syndrome: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial of creatine monohydrate supplementation in 18 female patients with Rett syndrome. CMH supplementation resulted in a statistically significant increase in global DNA methylation compared with placebo. Clinical symptom scores tended to improve but did not reach statistical significance.
Effect of creatine monohydrate in improving cellular energetics and muscle strength in ambulatory Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients: a randomized, placebo-controlled 31P MRS study.
Randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluating oral creatine supplementation in 33 steroid-naive, ambulatory boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Creatine improved muscle phosphocreatine/inorganic phosphate ratio and preserved muscle strength over 8 weeks, with subjective improvement reported by parents.
The effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation with and without D-pinitol on resistance training adaptations.
RCT of 24 resistance-trained males comparing creatine monohydrate with and without D-pinitol over 4 weeks of resistance training. Both groups showed increased creatine retention and improvements in strength and body composition, but the creatine-only group had greater increases in lean and fat-free mass.
Three weeks of creatine monohydrate supplementation affects dihydrotestosterone to testosterone ratio in college-aged rugby players.
Double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study on 20 college-aged rugby players investigating the effects of creatine supplementation on androgen levels. Creatine loading increased dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels by 56% after 7 days and maintained a 40% increase after 14 days, with the DHT:testosterone ratio also increasing.
Effects of creatine supplementation and three days of resistance training on muscle strength, power output, and neuromuscular function.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of 3 days of isokinetic resistance training combined with 8 days of creatine monohydrate supplementation on muscle strength and neuromuscular function in 25 men. The study found small but significant improvements in peak torque and acceleration time for both creatine and placebo groups, with greater relative improvements in the creatine group, though not statistically significant.
Resistance training with creatine monohydrate improves upper-body strength in patients with Parkinson disease: a randomized trial.
RCT of 20 patients with Parkinson disease comparing creatine monohydrate supplementation plus resistance training to placebo plus resistance training. Creatine group showed significantly greater improvements in upper-body strength and chair rise performance.
Effect of creatine on swimming velocity, body composition and hydrodynamic variables.
RCT investigating the effect of creatine supplementation on swimming velocity, body composition, and hydrodynamic variables in 16 junior female swimmers. Creatine supplementation significantly reduced hydrodynamic values but did not influence performance, body weight, or body composition.
Global and targeted gene expression and protein content in skeletal muscle of young men following short-term creatine monohydrate supplementation.
RCT investigating the effect of short-term creatine monohydrate supplementation on gene expression and protein content in skeletal muscle of 12 young men. Creatine monohydrate significantly increased fat-free mass, total body water, and body weight, and upregulated mRNA and protein content related to osmosensing, signal transduction, and other cellular processes.
Creatine monohydrate and resistance training increase bone mineral content and density in older men.
RCT of 29 older men assessing the effects of creatine supplementation combined with resistance training on bone mineral content and density. Creatine supplementation increased arm bone mineral content by 3.2%, while placebo showed a decrease. Resistance training increased bone mineral density, with creatine providing additional benefits.
Effect of a defined lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet and oral creatine monohydrate supplementation on plasma creatine concentration.
This study examined the effects of a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet followed by creatine monohydrate supplementation on plasma creatine concentration in 26 healthy omnivorous men. The lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet reduced plasma creatine concentration, but creatine supplementation increased plasma creatine levels regardless of diet. The study suggests that creatine supplementation can help lacto-ovo-vegetarian athletes achieve creatine levels similar to omnivores.
Creatine monohydrate supplementation does not increase muscle strength, lean body mass, or muscle phosphocreatine in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1.
Randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial with 34 adult DM1 patients assessing creatine monohydrate supplementation (5 g daily) versus placebo. The study found no significant effects on muscle strength, body composition, or activities of daily living, except for an increase in plasma creatinine concentration.
[A clinical trial of creatine monohydrate in muscular dystrophy patients].
Open trial of creatine monohydrate in 29 individuals, including muscular dystrophy patients and healthy volunteers. Participants took creatine 20g/day for one week and 5g/day for eight weeks. Muscle power increased slightly, and fewer patients failed the cycle ergometer test. No significant changes in cognitive function or cardiopulmonary assessment. Adverse effects were reported but not serious.
AMP kinase expression and activity in human skeletal muscle: effects of immobilization, retraining, and creatine supplementation.
Double-blind trial in 22 young healthy volunteers investigating the effects of leg immobilization, retraining, and creatine supplementation on muscle AMPK protein expression and phosphorylation. Creatine supplementation did not affect AMPK subunit expression or phosphorylation status during immobilization and retraining.
Creatine supplementation in young soccer players.
RCT examining the effects of creatine-monohydrate supplementation on soccer-specific performance in 20 young male soccer players. Creatine supplementation significantly improved dribble test times, sprint-power test times, and vertical jump height compared to placebo, with no changes in endurance test results.
Creatine supplementation and performance in 6 consecutive 60 meter sprints.
RCT analyzing the effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on physical performance during 6 consecutive maximal speed 60 meter races in 19 healthy male volunteers. No significant changes were observed in performance, but creatine supplementation modified ventilatory dynamics during recovery.
Oral creatine monohydrate supplementation improves brain performance: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial of oral creatine supplementation (5 g/day for six weeks) in 45 young adult vegetarians. Creatine significantly improved working memory and intelligence test scores, highlighting its role in brain energy capacity and performance.
Creatine monohydrate in DM2/PROMM: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study. Proximal myotonic myopathy.
A double-blind placebo-controlled trial studied the efficacy and safety of creatine monohydrate in 20 patients with myotonic dystrophy type 2/proximal myotonic myopathy over 3 months. No significant differences in muscle strength were found between the creatine and placebo groups, though some measures indicated trends toward mild improvement.
Creatine monohydrate supplementation on body weight and percent body fat.
RCT with 17 active males examining the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on body weight, body fat, and body water content. Creatine group showed significant increases in total body weight and body water content, but no significant changes in percent body fat or caloric intake. Weight gain may be due to water retention.
Influence of creatine monohydrate ingestion on muscle metabolites and intense exercise capacity in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
RCT evaluating the effect of creatine monohydrate ingestion on muscle metabolites and exercise capacity in 16 individuals with multiple sclerosis. Creatine ingestion did not significantly elevate muscle creatine stores or improve high-intensity exercise capacity.
Acute and moderate-term creatine monohydrate supplementation does not affect creatine transporter mRNA or protein content in either young or elderly humans.
The study investigated the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on creatine transporter mRNA and protein content in young and elderly humans. Despite increased total creatine content, supplementation did not alter CRT protein or mRNA levels. Weight training increased citrate synthase protein content in the elderly but not in young men.
Creatine monohydrate in myotonic dystrophy: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.
Double-blind, cross-over trial assessing safety and efficacy of creatine monohydrate in 34 patients with myotonic dystrophy. Creatine supplementation was well tolerated but did not result in significant improvement of muscle strength or daily-life activities compared to placebo.
Effect of creatine supplementation and a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet on muscle creatine concentration.
RCT examining the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation and a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet on muscle creatine concentration in 32 healthy men. Consuming a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet for 21 days decreased muscle creatine concentration, but creatine supplementation did not result in significant differences in muscle total creatine between diet groups.
Caffeine is ergogenic after supplementation of oral creatine monohydrate.
This study assessed the effects of caffeine ingestion on short-term, high-intensity exercise after a period of oral creatine supplementation and caffeine abstinence in 14 trained male subjects. Results showed that acute caffeine ingestion increased total VO2 and time to exhaustion, indicating an ergogenic effect after creatine supplementation.
Creatine monohydrate treatment alleviates muscle cramps associated with haemodialysis.
RCT evaluating the effect of creatine monohydrate on muscle cramps in haemodialysis patients. Creatine monohydrate treatment reduced the frequency of muscle cramps by 60% during the treatment period, with no adverse effects observed.
Creatine loading, resistance exercise performance, and muscle mechanics.
RCT testing creatine monohydrate loading (20 g per day for 7 days) versus placebo in resistance-trained subjects. Creatine loading did not significantly alter resistance exercise performance, isometric strength, or muscle contractile properties compared to placebo.
Effects of acute creatine monohydrate supplementation on leucine kinetics and mixed-muscle protein synthesis.
RCT examining the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on protein metabolism in young healthy men and women. Creatine supplementation increased muscle total creatine and reduced leucine oxidation in men, but did not increase muscle protein synthesis or body mass.
Creatine supplementation during resistance training in college football athletes.
This study assessed the effects of a 9-week creatine monohydrate supplementation regimen combined with resistance training on body composition and neuromuscular performance in NCAA Division I football athletes. The creatine group showed significant improvements in total body weight, lean body mass, cell hydration, strength, peak torque, and anaerobic power compared to placebo and control groups.
Effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation during combined strength and high intensity rowing training on performance.
This RCT investigated the effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on performance and training volume in 22 rowers over 6 weeks. Creatine supplementation did not increase performance or training volume over a placebo condition in rowers performing combined high intensity rowing and strength training.
Creatine monohydrate in muscular dystrophies: A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial assessing creatine monohydrate in 36 patients with various muscular dystrophies. The study found mild but significant improvement in muscle strength and daily-life activities, with creatine being well tolerated.
Creatine monohydrate supplementation enhances high-intensity exercise performance in males and females.
RCT studying the effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on high-intensity exercise performance in 24 subjects (12 males, 12 females). Creatine increased peak anaerobic cycling power, dorsi-flexion MVC torque, and lactate levels, with no gender-specific responses.
Oral creatine supplementation and upper extremity anaerobic response in females.
RCT investigating the influence of creatine monohydrate on upper extremity anaerobic response in strength-trained females. Creatine supplementation was associated with greater work capacity during fatiguing elbow flexion, but did not influence peak strength or work to fatigue in shoulder internal rotation.
Properties and sensory acceptability of creatine-fortified foods using ultra-micronized creatine monohydrate – the KREAFOOD Project
The KreaFood Project assessed the use of ultra-micronized creatine monohydrate (Creavitalis®) in creatine-fortified foods, comparing its performance to regular creatine monohydrate in mocaccino and pancake premixes. Creavitalis® showed improved sensory qualities, such as reduced granularity and enhanced cohesiveness, leading to a more favorable sensory profile in both food applications.
Impact of creatine supplementation on menopausal women’s body composition, cognition, estrogen, strength, and sleep
This quasi-experimental study analyzed the effects of creatine monohydrate on performance, body composition, cognitive function, estrogen levels, mood, and sleep in 15 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women over 14 weeks. Creatine supplementation significantly increased lower body strength and improved sleep quality in perimenopausal women, with no significant effects on estradiol levels.
Creatine Enhances the Effects of Cluster-Set Resistance Training on Lower-Limb Body Composition and Strength in Resistance-Trained Men: A Pilot Study
Pilot study evaluating the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation during a high-protein diet and cluster-set resistance training on lower-limb fat-free mass and muscular strength in 23 resistance-trained men. Significant improvements in body composition and strength were observed in the creatine group compared to resistance training alone.
Creatine ingestion increases anaerobic capacity and maximum accumulated oxygen deficit.
This study tested the hypothesis that creatine monohydrate ingestion increases anaerobic exercise capacity. Subjects were assigned to placebo or creatine groups and ingested 5-g doses 4 times daily for 5 days. The maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) and time to exhaustion increased significantly in the creatine group, demonstrating an ergogenic effect on supramaximal exercise performance.
High-performance capillary electrophoresis-pure creatine monohydrate reduces blood lipids in men and women.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 34 subjects examined the effects of creatine monohydrate on plasma lipid profiles. Significant reductions in plasma total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and very-low-density lipoprotein-C were observed in the creatine group, suggesting potential lipid-lowering effects.
The effect of oral creatine monohydrate supplementation on running velocity.
RCT investigating the effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on sprinting performance in 18 subjects. The study found no statistically significant effects on running velocity during 60-m sprints between the creatine and placebo groups.
Evaluation of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on the Gastrocnemius Muscle of Mice with Muscular Dystrophy: A Preliminary Study
Preliminary study on the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on the gastrocnemius muscle in MDX and healthy C57BL/10 mice. Creatine showed potential anti-inflammatory effects, preservation of intramuscular glycogen, and reduction in tissue fibrosis, suggesting enhanced tissue function and slowed progression of muscular dystrophy.
A short review of the most common safety concerns regarding creatine ingestion
This short review evaluates safety concerns regarding creatine monohydrate supplementation, including risks of cancer, kidney function impairment, dehydration, and gastrointestinal issues. Current evidence does not support a link between creatine and cancer or adverse renal effects in healthy individuals. Claims of dehydration and muscle cramps are unsupported, and gastrointestinal distress is dose-dependent. Creatine is generally safe when used appropriately.
Creatine monohydrate supplementation for older adults and clinical populations
Narrative review on the efficacy of creatine monohydrate supplementation in older adults. Research shows that creatine monohydrate, especially when combined with exercise, is safe and beneficial for lean body mass, muscle strength, bone health, functional ability, glucose kinetics, cognition, and memory.
Creatine supplementation: bioavailability and effects on physical and cognitive performance
The paper reviews evidence on creatine bioavailability and its effects on physical and cognitive performance. Creatine monohydrate is highlighted as the gold-standard form, enhancing muscle phosphocreatine stores, strength, power, and cognitive function, particularly in older adults and vegetarians. Side effects are minimal, with further research needed on alternative forms.
Fueling Strength and Recovery: Basics of Creatine Monohydrate, Usage, Benefits, Effectiveness and Misconceptions
This narrative review explores the fundamental aspects of creatine monohydrate, including its biochemical role, mechanisms of action, and practical applications in enhancing athletic performance, strength, and recovery. It addresses common myths and clarifies evidence-based understanding of creatine usage, including optimal dosing strategies.
Fueling the Firefighter and Tactical Athlete with Creatine: A Narrative Review of a Key Nutrient for Public Safety
Narrative review of creatine monohydrate supplementation benefits for firefighters and tactical athletes. Highlights improvements in anaerobic exercise capacity, muscular fitness, thermoregulation, decision-making, sleep, recovery from TBIs, mental health, and potential antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects.
Creatine Supplementation Beyond Athletics: Benefits of Different Types of Creatine for Women, Vegans, and Clinical Populations—A Narrative Review
This narrative review explores the benefits of creatine monohydrate supplementation beyond athletic performance, focusing on women, vegans, and clinical populations. It highlights creatine's potential to alleviate fatigue-related symptoms in women, improve physical and cognitive performance in vegans, and support various clinical conditions such as sarcopenia, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Impact of Creatine Supplementation on Strength Training
This narrative review examines the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on strength training, highlighting its positive impact on muscle strength, hypertrophy, exercise recovery, performance, and power. The review discusses mechanisms, benefits, dosing strategies, and safety considerations, confirming creatine as a reliable and safe supplement for enhancing muscular strength and performance.
Bioavailability, Efficacy, Safety, and Regulatory Status of Creatine and Related Compounds: A Critical Review
This critical review evaluates the bioavailability, efficacy, safety, and regulatory status of creatine monohydrate (CrM) compared to other marketed forms of creatine. It concludes that CrM remains the most effective and safe form of creatine, with substantial evidence supporting its use in dietary supplements. The review also provides guidance on the research needed to validate new forms of creatine.