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Creatine use and exercise heat tolerance in dehydrated men.
Greig Watson1, Douglas J Casa, Kelly A Fiala
1The University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1110, USA.
Journal of Athletic Training
|April 19, 2006
Summary
Short-term creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation did not negatively impact hydration or heat tolerance in dehydrated athletes. This study found no increased risk of heat illness symptoms when using CrM during intense exercise in hot conditions.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Nutrition
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Creatine monohydrate (CrM) is widely used by athletes, particularly in team sports.
- Concerns exist regarding potential adverse effects of CrM, including dehydration, cramping, and heat intolerance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of one week of CrM supplementation on hydration status.
- To assess thermoregulation and heat illness symptoms in dehydrated men during prolonged exercise in heat.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized, crossover study involving twelve active males.
- Participants supplemented with CrM (21.6 g/day) or placebo for 7 days, followed by a washout period.
- Subjects underwent a heat-tolerance test after induced dehydration (2% body mass loss) in 33.5°C heat.
Main Results:
- CrM supplementation did not significantly alter thermoregulatory, cardiorespiratory, or metabolic responses during exercise in heat.
- No differences were observed in hydration status markers (plasma/urine osmolality, urine specific gravity) between CrM and placebo.
- Environmental Symptoms Questionnaire scores and cumulative body mass losses were similar between treatments.
Conclusions:
- Short-term creatine monohydrate supplementation does not compromise hydration or thermoregulation in trained men.
- CrM use did not increase the incidence of heat illness symptoms under the studied conditions.