Creatine supplementation and health variables: a retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Long-term safety of creatine supplementation is a subject of ongoing debate.
• Athletes frequently use creatine monohydrate to enhance performance.
• Concerns exist regarding potential adverse health effects from prolonged creatine use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term safety of creatine monohydrate supplementation in athletes.
• To examine health markers, reported side effects, and perceived training benefits.
• To investigate potential adverse effects in athletes using creatine monohydrate.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study involving 26 athletes (18 male, 8 female).
• Analysis of blood markers (CBC, blood chemistries, hormones) and clinical examinations.
• Questionnaire assessing dietary habits, supplementation, medical history, and perceived effects.

Main Results:

• Creatine supplementation duration ranged from 0.8 to 4 years.
• No significant differences in reported side effects (muscle injury, cramps) were observed between groups.
• Minor differences in creatinine and total protein were noted but remained within normal clinical ranges.

Conclusions:

• Long-term creatine monohydrate supplementation does not appear to cause adverse health effects in athletes.
• Observed health markers and side effect incidence were comparable across supplementation groups.
• Creatine supplementation is suggested to be safe for athletes when used long-term.