Benefits of Creatine Supplementation for Vegetarians Compared to Omnivorous Athletes: A Systematic Review
Research snapshot:
2020 systematic review finds creatine supplementation benefits vegetarians' muscle stores and cognitive function.
2020 |
Systematic Review |
Creatine |
Muscle Creatine |
Overview.
This systematic review examines the effects of creatine supplementation on vegetarians, highlighting its benefits in increasing creatine stores, enhancing exercise performance, and improving cognitive function.
Background.
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of creatine supplementation on vegetarians, focusing on muscle creatine stores, exercise performance, and cognitive function, and to compare these effects with those in omnivorous athletes.
Objectives.
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of creatine supplementation on vegetarians, focusing on muscle creatine stores, exercise performance, and cognitive function, and to compare these effects with those in omnivorous athletes.
Study design.
This systematic review included randomized controlled trials and prospective studies identified through PubMed and SPORTDiscus. The studies involved vegetarians and compared the effects of creatine supplementation against placebo or omnivorous groups. The sample sizes varied, and the duration of supplementation ranged from a few days to several months.
Results.
Creatine supplementation in vegetarians significantly increased total creatine, creatine, and phosphocreatine concentrations in muscle, plasma, and red blood cells. It also improved lean tissue mass, muscular strength, endurance, and cognitive function. However, the studies were mixed on whether creatine supplementation improved exercise performance in vegetarians more than in omnivores.
Conclusions.
The study concludes that creatine supplementation is beneficial for vegetarians, particularly in enhancing muscle creatine stores and potentially improving exercise performance and cognitive function. However, more rigorous studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Original paper.
Kaviani M, Shaw K, Chilibeck PD. Benefits of Creatine Supplementation for Vegetarians Compared to Omnivorous Athletes: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17(9):3041. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17093041
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