Variables Influencing the Effectiveness of Creatine Supplementation as a Therapeutic Intervention for Sarcopenia
Research snapshot:
2019 review finds creatine supplementation enhances muscle mass and strength in aging adults with sarcopenia.
2019 |
Review |
Creatine |
Sarcopenia |
Overview.
This study examines the effectiveness of creatine supplementation in combination with resistance training to counteract sarcopenia in aging adults, highlighting variable responses and underlying mechanisms.
Background.
A team of researchers associated with the University of Regina, Brandon University, University of Saskatchewan, University of Manitoba, Nova Southeastern University, and Texas A&M University conducted this study, published in Frontiers in Nutrition.
Objectives.
The objectives of this study were to propose reasons for the inconsistent responsiveness to creatine in aging adults, discuss the mechanistic actions of creatine on muscle biology, determine the impact of timing of creatine supplementation, evaluate the effects of combining creatine with other nutritional supplements, and assess the safety of creatine for aging adults.
Study design.
This perspective paper reviewed multiple studies involving creatine supplementation and resistance training in aging adults, with varying sample sizes and methodologies. It included meta-analyses and individual studies focusing on different populations, including both males and females.
Results.
The results showed that creatine supplementation during resistance training generally increased muscle mass and strength in aging adults, particularly in supervised training settings. However, variability in responses was noted, influenced by factors such as initial muscle creatine levels, type II muscle fiber content, and dietary creatine intake. Post-exercise creatine ingestion was found to result in greater muscle mass gains compared to pre-exercise ingestion. The combination of creatine with other supplements like protein and conjugated linoleic acid showed mixed results, with some studies indicating additional benefits and others not. Safety assessments indicated that creatine supplementation is generally safe for aging adults, with minor adverse effects reported.
Conclusions.
The study concludes that creatine supplementation, especially when combined with supervised resistance training, can be an effective therapeutic intervention for sarcopenia in aging adults. However, individual variability and methodological differences must be considered. Creatine may reduce muscle protein degradation and mitigate mitochondrial damage, contributing to its benefits.
Original paper.
Candow DG, Forbes SC, Chilibeck PD, Cornish SM, Antonio J, Kreider RB (2019) Variables Influencing the Effectiveness of Creatine Supplementation as a Therapeutic Intervention for Sarcopenia. Front. Nutr. 6:124. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2019.00124
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