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Creatine supplementation and VO2max: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Damien Gras1, Charlotte Lanhers1, Reza Bagheri2
1CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Université Clermont Auvergne, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
|December 3, 2021
Summary
Creatine supplementation may negatively impact maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), a key measure of aerobic fitness. This systematic review found lower VO2max in creatine users compared to placebo groups, irrespective of training or individual characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Science
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Creatine supplementation is known to enhance high-intensity exercise performance.
- Its effect on aerobic capacity, specifically maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), remains debated.
- This study systematically reviews the impact of creatine on VO2max.
Approach:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted.
- Searched databases included PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and ScienceDirect for relevant studies.
- Analyzed VO2max data from 19 RCTs involving 424 participants, comparing creatine and placebo groups.
Key Points:
- No significant baseline difference in VO2max was observed between creatine and placebo groups.
- While VO2max increased in both groups during exercise interventions, the increase was less pronounced in the creatine group.
- Post-supplementation analysis revealed a statistically significant lower VO2max in the creatine group compared to placebo (ES = -0.20, p = 0.049).
Conclusions:
- Creatine supplementation appears to have a negative effect on VO2max.
- This effect was observed consistently across various training regimens, supplementation protocols, and participant demographics.
- Further research may be warranted to elucidate the mechanisms behind this observed reduction in aerobic capacity.
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