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Muscle glycogen supercompensation is enhanced by prior creatine supplementation
A G Nelson1, D A Arnall, J Kokkonen
1Department of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. anelso@lsu.edu
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|July 11, 2001
Summary
Pre-loading muscles with creatine enhances glycogen storage capacity. This study found that a 5-day creatine load significantly increased muscle glycogen levels after subsequent glycogen loading.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Sports Science
Background:
- Previous research indicated a trend towards greater glycogen supercompensation when creatine and glycogen were loaded simultaneously.
- The proposed mechanism involved creatine increasing cell volumes, thereby enhancing glycogen storage capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if a preceding 5-day creatine load could enhance subsequent glycogen supercompensation.
- To determine the effect of creatine loading on muscle creatine and glycogen content.
Main Methods:
- Twelve male participants (19-28 years) underwent two standard glycogen loading protocols.
- A 5-day creatine load (20 g/day) was administered between the two glycogen loading protocols.
- Muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis were taken before and after each loading phase.
Main Results:
- The initial glycogen loading increased muscle glycogen by 4% without altering muscle creatine levels.
- Creatine loading significantly increased muscle creatine content in both legs.
- Following creatine loading, a subsequent glycogen loading phase resulted in a significantly greater final muscle glycogen content compared to the initial loading.
Conclusions:
- Muscle glycogen loading capacity is influenced by initial creatine levels.
- Increased cell volume due to creatine loading may enhance the capacity for glycogen storage.