Creatine supplementation in fibromyalgia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Science
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue.
• Muscle dysfunction is a common feature in fibromyalgia, impacting patients' quality of life.
• Current treatments offer limited relief for muscle-related symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of creatine monohydrate supplementation in fibromyalgia patients.
• To determine creatine's impact on muscle function, aerobic capacity, cognitive function, and quality of life.
• To assess potential adverse effects of creatine supplementation in this population.

Main Methods:

• A 16-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving fibromyalgia patients.
• Participants received either creatine monohydrate or a placebo.
• Muscle function, aerobic conditioning, cognitive function, quality of life, and safety were assessed using various measures, including (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy for muscle phosphorylcreatine content.

Main Results:

• Creatine supplementation significantly increased muscle phosphorylcreatine content by 80.3% compared to placebo.
• Significant improvements in leg press, chest press, and isometric muscle strength were observed in the creatine group.
• No significant changes were found in aerobic conditioning, pain levels, cognitive function, sleep quality, or quality of life. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

• Creatine supplementation effectively enhances intramuscular phosphorylcreatine levels and improves muscle strength in fibromyalgia patients.
• This dietary intervention offers a potential strategy to improve muscle function in individuals with fibromyalgia.
• Creatine appears to be a safe and beneficial supplement for managing muscle-related symptoms in fibromyalgia.