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Effect of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Macro- and Microvascular Endothelial Function in Older Adults: A
Holly E Clarke1, Neda S Akhavan2, Taylor A Behl3
1Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, Florida State University, 120 Convocation Way, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
Insights
Four weeks of creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation improved vascular endothelial function in older adults. This pilot study found CrM enhanced macrovascular and microvascular function, alongside reductions in glucose and triglycerides.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vascular endothelial function declines with age, increasing cardiovascular risk.
- Older adults are a population of interest for interventions to improve vascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation on vascular endothelial function in healthy, sedentary older adults.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized crossover pilot study involving 12 older adults.
- Participants received either CrM or placebo (PL) for four weeks, with a washout period.
- Assessed macrovascular (flow-mediated dilation, pulse wave velocity) and microvascular function, plus biomarkers.
Main Results:
- CrM significantly increased flow-mediated dilation (FMD%) and normalized FMD% compared to placebo.
- Microvascular reperfusion rates increased significantly following CrM supplementation.
- Fasting glucose and triglyceride levels were significantly reduced after CrM intake.
Conclusions:
- Pilot data suggest four weeks of CrM supplementation positively impacts vascular function in older adults.
- CrM may offer a beneficial nutritional strategy for improving cardiovascular health markers in this demographic.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: A pilot study was conducted to investigate the effect of four weeks of creatine monohydrate (CrM) on vascular endothelial function in older adults. Methods: In a double-blind, randomized crossover trial, twelve sedentary, healthy older adults were allocated to either the CrM or placebo (PL) group for four weeks, at a dose of 4 × 5 g/day for 5 days, followed by 1 × 5 g/day for 23 days. Macrovascular function (flow-mediated dilation [FMD%], normalized FMD%, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity [baPWV], pulse wave analysis [PWA]), microvascular function (microvascular reperfusion rate [% StO2/sec]), and biomarkers of vascular function (tetrahydrobiopterin [BH4], malondialdehyde [MDA], oxidized low-density lipoprotein [oxLDL], glucose, lipids) were assessed pre- and post-supplementation with a four-week washout period. Results: CrM significantly increased FMD% (pre-CrM, 7.68 ± 2.25%; post-CrM, 8.9 ± 1.99%; p < 0.005), and normalized FMD% (pre-CrM, 2.57 × 10-4 ± 1.03 × 10-4%/AUCSR; post-CrM, 3.42 × 10-4 ± 1.69 × 10-4%/AUCSR; p < 0.05), compared to PL. Microvascular reperfusion rates increased following CrM (pre-CrM, 2.29 ± 1.42%/sec; post-CrM, 3.71 ± 1.44%/sec; p < 0.05), with no change following PL. A significant reduction in fasting glucose (pre-CrM, 103.64 ± 6.28; post-CrM, 99 ± 4.9 mg/dL; p < 0.05) and triglycerides (pre-CrM, 99.82 ± 35.35; post-CrM, 83.82 ± 37.65 mg/dL; p < 0.05) was observed following CrM. No significant differences were observed for any other outcome. Conclusions: These pilot data indicate that four weeks of CrM supplementation resulted in favorable effects on several indices of vascular function in older adults.
