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Exploring the therapeutic role of creatine supplementation
Bruno Gualano1, Guilherme Giannini Artioli, Jacques R Poortmans
1Laboratory of Applied Nutrition and Metabolism, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. gualano@usp.br
Amino Acids
|March 3, 2009
Summary
Creatine supplementation aids energy provision and muscle growth. It shows therapeutic potential for age-related muscle, bone, and brain conditions, offering benefits for the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Sports Science and Nutrition
- Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Creatine (Cr) is vital for cellular energy supply via the phosphorylcreatine kinase reaction.
- Creatine enhances gene expression and satellite cell activation, crucial for muscle hypertrophy.
- Emerging evidence suggests creatine's therapeutic utility in diseases marked by atrophy and metabolic dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing research on creatine supplementation's role in various diseases.
- To explore the scientific and clinical potential of creatine as a therapeutic agent, particularly for the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of scientific literature on creatine supplementation.
- Analysis of studies investigating creatine's effects on muscle, bone, lung, and brain health.
- Evaluation of clinical data regarding creatine's impact on age-related conditions and diseases.
Main Results:
- Creatine supplementation has demonstrated efficacy in mitigating degenerative conditions in muscle disorders (e.g., Duchenne myopathy).
- Evidence supports creatine's role in managing central nervous system diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
- Creatine shows promise for addressing bone and metabolic disturbances, including osteoporosis and type II diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Creatine supplementation exhibits significant therapeutic potential across a spectrum of diseases.
- Its benefits extend to improving outcomes in muscle wasting, neurological disorders, and metabolic imbalances.
- Creatine represents a promising, evidence-based therapeutic tool for enhancing health and function in the elderly population.
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