Mg2+-creatine chelate and a low-dose creatine supplementation regimen improve exercise performance

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Creatine supplementation is widely used to enhance athletic performance.
• The efficacy of low-dose creatine and novel forms like magnesium-creatine (Mg(2+)-Cr) chelate requires further investigation.
• Understanding creatine uptake mechanisms can optimize supplementation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of a Mg(2+)-Cr chelate with creatine (Cr) and placebo on strength and muscular endurance.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a low daily dose (2.5 g) of creatine supplementation.
• To determine if Mg(2+)-Cr offers performance benefits over standard Cr supplementation.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-one weight-trained men participated in a double-blind, randomized study.
• Participants were assigned to placebo, Cr (2.5 g/day), or Mg(2+)-Cr (2.5 g/day) groups for 10 days.
• Performance was assessed via 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and work completed during a fatigue set at 70% of 1RM.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in the change of 1RM between groups.
• Both Cr and Mg(2+)-Cr groups showed significant increases in work completed compared to the placebo group.
• The Mg(2+)-Cr group did not demonstrate superior performance gains compared to the Cr group.

Conclusions:

• Low-dose creatine supplementation (2.5 g/day) is effective in enhancing muscular performance and work capacity after short-term ingestion.
• The Mg(2+)-Cr chelate did not provide additional performance benefits compared to standard creatine at this low dose.
• This study suggests that conventional creatine administration is as effective as Mg(2+)-Cr for performance enhancement at low doses.