Creatine: Clinical Implications for Orthopedic Surgeons

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Nutritional Biochemistry

Background:

• Creatine is a popular supplement used by athletes for performance, muscle gain, and recovery.
• It plays a crucial role in energy production (adenosine triphosphate - ATP) during high-intensity exercise via the phosphocreatine shuttle.
• Its use has been prevalent since the 1990s.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the fundamental science behind creatine.
• To explore its potential benefits for athletic performance, muscle mass, and recovery.
• To assess the safety profile of creatine supplementation.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article, summarizing existing scientific literature.
• It synthesizes data on creatine's basic science, physiological roles, and clinical applications.
• The review examines studies related to supplementation, performance, and safety.

Main Results:

• Creatine supplementation, especially with resistance training, shows potential for increasing muscle mass and strength in older adults.
• Limited evidence currently supports its use in pediatric and adolescent populations.
• Weight gain is the most commonly reported side effect; no adverse renal effects are noted in healthy athletes.

Conclusions:

• Creatine is a well-established supplement for athletes, with demonstrated benefits in specific populations like older adults undergoing resistance training.
• Further research is needed to clarify its efficacy in younger individuals and its role in postoperative recovery.
• The safety profile appears favorable for healthy athletes, with weight gain being the primary noted side effect.