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400 echte Open-Access-Publikationen aus Europe PMC — ausschließlich mit offener Lizenz. Ein Klick auf „Abstract" zeigt die Zusammenfassung.
The effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>This study aimed to evaluate the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on cognitive function in adults and explore its potential role in preventing and delaying cognitive impairment-related diseases.<h4>Methods</h4>Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1993 and 2024 were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42024533557). The impact of creatine supplementation on overall cognitive function, memory, executive function, attention, and information processing speed was assessed using standardized mean differences (SMD) and Hedge's g with 95% confidence intervals (CI).<h4>Results</h4>Sixteen RCTs involving 492 participants aged 20.8-76.4 years, including healthy individuals and patients with specific diseases, were selected. Creatine monohydrate was the form used in all included studies. Creatine supplementation showed significant positive effects on memory (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.18-0.44, Hedges's <i>g</i> = 0.3003, 95% CI: 0.1778-0.4228) and attention time (SMD = -0.31, 95% CI: -0.58 to -0.03, Hedges's <i>g</i> = -0.3004, 95% CI: -0.5719 to -0.0289), as well as significantly improving processing speed time (SMD = -0.51, 95% CI: -1.01 to -0.01, Hedges's <i>g</i> = -0.4916, 95% CI: -0.7852 to -0.1980). However, no significant improvements were found on
Creatine supplementation and resistance training: a comparison between novice and experienced lifters - a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>Creatine (Cr) supplementation is well established for enhancing fat-free mass (FFM) when combined with resistance training (RT). However, the influence of prior training experience on supplementation efficacy remains unknown.<h4>Objective</h4>This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of controlled trials evaluated the effects of Cr supplementation combined with RT on body composition, with particular emphasis on the differences between trained (experienced) and untrained (novice) individuals.<h4>Methods</h4>A systematic search of major databases was conducted to identify controlled trials published until March 2025. The effects of Cr supplementation on body mass, body mass index (BMI), FFM, fat mass (FM), and body fat percentage (BFP) were examined using random-effects meta-analysis.<h4>Results</h4>A pooled analysis of 61 trials revealed that Cr supplementation significantly increased FFM (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 1.39 kg; 95% confidence intereval (CI): 1.07,1.70; <i>p</i> < 0.001) and body mass (WMD: 0.89 kg; 95% CI: 0.76,1.01; <i>p</i> < 0.001) without significant effects on FM, BMI, and BFP. Trained individuals exhibited greater, though non-significant, gains in FFM (1.82 vs. 1.23 kg) compared with untrained participants, despite similar increases in total body mass. Dose-response analyses identified significant relationships between Cr dose and changes in body mass and BMI. Furthermore, supplementation duration was associated with ch
The Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Upper- and Lower-Body Strength and Power: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Abstract
<b>Background:</b> Creatine supplementation is widely used to enhance exercise performance, mainly resistance training adaptations, yet its differential effects on upper- and lower-body strength and muscular power remain unclear across populations. <b>Objective:</b> This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the effects of creatine supplementation in studies that included different exercise modalities or no exercise on upper- and lower-body muscular strength and power in adults. <b>Methods:</b> A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted through 21 September 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of creatine supplementation on strength (bench/chest press, leg press, and handgrip) and power (upper and lower body). Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects modeling. Subgroup analyses examined the influence of age, sex, training status, dose, duration, and training frequency. <b>Results:</b> A total of 69 studies with 1937 participants were included for analysis. Creatine plus resistance training produced small but statistically significant improvements in bench and chest press strength [WMD = 1.43 kg, <i>p</i> = 0.002], squat strength [WMD = 5.64 kg, <i>p</i> = 0.001], vertical jump [WMD = 1.48 cm, <i>p</i> = 0.01], and Wingate peak power [WMD = 47.81 Watts, <i>p</i> = 0.004] when compared to the placebo. Additionally, creatine supplementat
Effects of creatine supplementation on muscle strength gains-a meta-analysis and systematic review
Abstract
Creatine (Cr) is a widely utilized nutritional supplement. Empirical evidence indicates that Cr supplementation significantly elevates intramuscular Cr content, thereby providing an energy substrate reservoir for exercise performance and facilitating improvements in muscle strength. Although numerous studies have examined the relationship between Cr and muscle strength, comprehensive investigations into population-specific ergogenic responses, optimal Cr dosage, and concomitant training intensity remain limited. These parameters are critical determinants for maximizing the efficacy of Cr supplementation. Against this backdrop, this study adopts meta-analysis, integrating conventional and Robust Variance Estimation (RVE) models, to comprehensively evaluate the intervention effects of Cr supplementation across three dimensions: population applicability, dosage optimization, and training intensity (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024547697). It aims to provide evidence-based support for precise clinical application and subsequent research directions.<h4>Results</h4>Results showed no statistical difference in baseline muscle strength between the Cr intervention group and the control group; after intervention, the Cr group exhibited significant strength gains. Further subgroup analysis revealed: untrained individuals had greater muscle strength improvements than trained ones; the low-to-moderate dose group showed better effects than the high-dose group; high-intensity training
Impact of creatine supplementation on inflammation: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized double-blind placebo trials
Abstract
<h4>Introduction</h4>Creatine supplementation is widely recognized for its ergogenic effects on strength and body composition. Recent studies have explored its potential anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in exercise-induced stress and aging-related chronic inflammation. However, results across randomized trials remain inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of creatine supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers in human populations.<h4>Methods</h4>A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251027784). Eight randomized controlled trials were included, evaluating creatine supplementation (various dosages and durations) versus placebo in healthy individuals, athletes, and clinical populations. The primary outcomes were inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, TNF-α, and prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub>. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were performed by two independent reviewers. The certainty of evidence was rated using the GRADE framework.<h4>Results</h4>Pooled analysis showed no significant acute effects of creatine on CRP (SMD = 0.32; 95% CI: -0.29 to 0.94; p = 0.30; I² = 28%). Chronic effects of creatine on CRP (SMD = -0.11; 95% CI: -0.69 to 0.48; p = 0.73; I² = 0%) and IL-6 (SMD = -0.06; 95% CI: -0.64 to 0.53; p = 0.84; I² = 0%) were also no significant. The certainty of evidence was rated as m
The effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive performance-a randomised controlled study
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>Creatine is an organic compound that facilitates the recycling of energy-providing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in muscle and brain tissue. It is a safe, well-studied supplement for strength training. Previous studies have shown that supplementation increases brain creatine levels, which might increase cognitive performance. The results of studies that have tested cognitive performance differ greatly, possibly due to different populations, supplementation regimens, and cognitive tasks. This is the largest study on the effect of creatine supplementation on cognitive performance to date.<h4>Methods</h4>Our trial was preregistered, cross-over, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and randomised, with daily supplementation of 5 g for 6 weeks each. We tested participants on Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM) and on the Backward Digit Span (BDS). In addition, we included eight exploratory cognitive tests. About half of our 123 participants were vegetarians and half were omnivores.<h4>Results</h4>Bayesian evidence supported a small beneficial effect of creatine. The creatine effect bordered significance for BDS (p = 0.064, η<sup>2</sup><sub>P</sub> = 0.029) but not RAPM (p = 0.327, η<sup>2</sup><sub>P</sub> = 0.008). There was no indication that creatine improved the performance of our exploratory cognitive tasks. Side effects were reported significantly more often for creatine than for placebo supplementation (p = 0.002, RR = 4.25). Vegetarians did not ben
Impact of Short-Term Creatine Supplementation on Muscular Performance among Breast Cancer Survivors
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Advances in detection and treatment have resulted in an increased survival rate, meaning an increasing population experiencing declines in muscle mass and strength. Creatine supplementation has consistently demonstrated improvements in strength and muscle performance in older adults, though these findings have not been extended to cancer populations.<h4>Purpose</h4>The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short-term creatine supplementation on muscular performance in BC survivors.<h4>Methods</h4>Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized design, 19 female BC survivors (mean ± SD age = 57.63 ± 10.77 years) were assigned to creatine (SUPP) (<i>n</i> = 9) or dextrose placebo (PLA) (<i>n</i> = 10) groups. The participants completed two familiarization sessions, then two test sessions, each separated by 7 days, where the participants supplemented with 5 g of SUPP or PLA 4 times/day between sessions. The testing sessions included sit-to-stand power, isometric/isokinetic peak torque, and upper/lower body strength via 10 repetition maximum (10RM) tests. The interaction between supplement (SUPP vs. PLA) and time (Pre vs. Post) was examined using a group × time ANOVA and effect sizes.<h4>Results</h4>No significant effects were observed for sit-to-stand power (<i>p</i> = 0.471; η<sub>p</sub><sup>2</sup> = 0.031), peak torque at 60°/second (<i>p</i> = 0.533; η<sub>p</sub><sup>2</sup> =
Creatine monohydrate supplementation for older adults and clinical populations
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>The biological process of aging is typically associated with a decrease in muscle quantity, muscle performance (primarily strength), bone mass and architecture, functionality and neurological/cognitive function. From a healthy aging perspective, interventions that have the potential to overcome or attenuate these decrements are clinically relevant.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted a narrative review on the efficacy of creatine monohydrate supplementation (CrM) in older adults.<h4>Results</h4>Accumulating research shows that CrM, primarily when combined with exercise training, is safe and has beneficial effects on measures of whole-body lean body mass, regional muscle size, muscle strength, bone area and thickness, functional ability, glucose kinetics, cognition and memory.<h4>Conclusion</h4>CrM has multiple benefits in older adults and may have application for treating age-related sarcopenia, osteoporosis, frailty, and those with metabolic and neuromuscular disorders.
Part II. Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?
Abstract
Creatine monohydrate supplementation (CrM) is a safe and effective intervention for improving certain aspects of sport, exercise performance, and health across the lifespan. Despite its evidence-based pedigree, several questions and misconceptions about CrM remain. To initially address some of these concerns, our group published a narrative review in 2021 discussing the scientific evidence as to whether CrM leads to water retention and fat accumulation, is a steroid, causes hair loss, dehydration or muscle cramping, adversely affects renal and liver function, and if CrM is safe and/or effective for children, adolescents, biological females, and older adults. As a follow-up, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate additional questions and misconceptions about CrM. These include but are not limited to: 1. Can CrM provide muscle benefits without exercise? 2. Does the timing of CrM really matter? 3. Does the addition of other compounds with CrM enhance its effectiveness? 4. Does CrM and caffeine oppose each other? 5. Does CrM increase the rates of muscle protein synthesis or breakdown? 6. Is CrM an anti-inflammatory intervention? 7. Can CrM increase recovery following injury, surgery, and/or immobilization? 8. Does CrM cause cancer? 9. Will CrM increase urine production? 10. Does CrM influence blood pressure? 11. Is CrM safe to consume during pregnancy? 12. Does CrM enhance performance in adolescents? 13. Does CrM adversely affect male fertility? 14. Does the brain require a hig
Creatine Supplementation Combined with Exercise in the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes: Effects on Insulin Resistance and Sarcopenia
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism, with skeletal muscle being a major site of systemic glucose disposal. This review examines the bidirectional relationship between T2D and sarcopenia, and synthesizes current evidence on how skeletal muscle deterioration and insulin resistance interact to disrupt glucose homeostasis. We summarize molecular mechanisms by which physical exercise enhances glucose uptake via insulin-dependent and insulin-independent pathways, and review the ergogenic and metabolic effects of creatine monohydrate (CrM). We also evaluate studies combining CrM supplementation with resistance or aerobic training and their effects on glycaemic control, muscle mass and function. Overall, combined exercise and creatine supplementation show potential to improve glucose regulation and attenuate muscle loss in older adults and people with T2D. Available data indicate that CrM is well tolerated in healthy and clinical populations when used at recommended doses, with no consistent evidence of adverse renal or hepatic effects. Further large randomized trials are needed to define optimal dosing, training modalities and long-term benefits for metabolic outcomes.
Long-Term Creatine Supplementation Improves Cognitive and Hippocampal Structural Plasticity Impairments in a D-Gal-Induced Aging Model via Increasing CK-BB Activity in the Brain
Abstract
Creatine (Cr) is recognized for its role in enhancing cognitive functions through the phosphocreatine (pCr)-creatine kinase system involved in brain energy homeostasis. It is reversibly converted into pCr by creatine kinase (CK). A brain-specific isoform of CK, known as CK-BB, is implicated in the brain's energy metabolism. The objective of this research is to ascertain the impact of Cr supplementation on learning and memory skills as well as on structural synaptic plasticity, by modulating CK-BB. First, we utilized various concentrations of D-galactose (D-gal) to create an aging mouse model. Our findings indicated that D-gal injections at 100 and 1000 mg/kg could lead to cognitive decline, oxidative stress, and damage to structural synaptic plasticity. CK-BB expression and its activity were reduced at least by approximately 20% in mice injected with 100 and 1000 mg/kg D-gal compared with control group. Next, an adeno-associated virus directed against CKB was employed to reduce CK-BB levels by 34% in the brain. The reduction of CK-BB in the brain resulted in deficits in learning and memory, oxidative stress, and morphological harm to the hippocampal spines of mice. Finally, the diet of the D-gal-induced aging model was enriched with 3% Cr. Mice that received 3% Cr supplementation exhibited a 36% increase in CK-BB activity and a 14.3% increase in CK-BB expression following prolonged D-gal administration. In addition, Cr supplementation mitigated the cognitive impairment, oxida
Protocol for a single-arm, pilot trial of creatine monohydrate supplementation in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>Impaired brain bioenergetics is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is a compelling target for AD treatment. Patients with AD exhibit dysfunction in the brain creatine (Cr) system, which is integral in maintaining bioenergetic flux. Recent studies in AD mouse models suggest Cr supplementation improves brain mitochondrial function and may be protective of AD peptide pathology and cognition.<h4>Aims</h4>The Creatine to Augment Bioenergetics in Alzheimer's disease (CABA) study is designed to primarily assess the feasibility of supplementation with 20 g/day of creatine monohydrate (CrM) in patients with cognitive impairment due to AD. Secondary aims are designed to generate preliminary data investigating changes in brain Cr levels, cognition, peripheral and brain mitochondrial function, and muscle strength and size.<h4>Methods</h4>CABA is an 8-week, single-arm pilot study that will recruit 20 patients with cognitive impairment due to AD. Participants attend five in-person study visits: two visits at baseline to conduct screening and baseline assessments, a 4-week visit, and two 8-week visits. Outcomes assessment includes recruitment, retention, and compliance, cognitive testing, magnetic resonance spectroscopy of brain metabolites, platelet and lymphocyte mitochondrial function, and muscle strength and morphology at baseline and 8 weeks.<h4>Discussion</h4>CABA is the first study to investigate CrM as a potential treatment in patients with AD
The impact of creatine supplementation associated with resistance training on muscular strength and lean tissue mass in the aged: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is an age-related decline in muscle strength and mass, which significantly impacts the quality of life for older adults. Resistance training (RT) is well established as an effective intervention for sarcopenia. Some studies suggest that additional benefits may be obtained when RT is combined with creatine supplement (Cr). However, critical confounding factors, such as age and intervention duration, have not been systematically controlled in previous investigations. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to quantify the efficacy of Cr + RT on appendicular muscle strength and lean tissue mass in older adults, with a particular emphasis on temporal effect modification through duration-stratified subgroup analyses. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) through searches across eight databases. Eligible studies involved aged individuals undergoing resistance training (2–3 sessions/week) with Cr or placebo (PL) for 8-104 weeks. After screening, 8 RCTs (n = 482 participants) were included, assessing outcomes of lean tissue mass, chest press, and leg press strength. RESULTS: Compared to PL + RT, Cr + RT significantly improved lower limb strength (SMD = 0.29 [95% CI 0.00-0.57]; p = 0.05) and lean tissue mass (SMD = 0.27 [95% CI 0.02–0.53]; p = 0.03), but did not show significant improvements in upper extremity muscle strength. Subgroup analysis revealed intervention duration effects: intervention
Eight weeks of creatine monohydrate supplementation is associated with increased muscle strength and size in Alzheimer's disease: data from a single-arm pilot study
Abstract
<h4>Objective</h4>To investigate the potential muscular benefits of an eight-week creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).<h4>Methods</h4>This single-arm pilot trial, conducted at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, examined the intervention-associated changes in muscle strength, muscle size, and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) integrity following 8 weeks of CrM supplementation (20 g/day) in 20 participants with AD. All participants completed handgrip-strength measurements on the dominant hand (highest of three trials in kg of force). Ten participants completed lower body strength assessment via leg dynamometry at three velocities (1.05 rad∙s<sup>-1</sup>, 2.10 rad∙s<sup>-1</sup>, 3.14 rad∙s<sup>-1</sup>), with peak torque (in Newton-meters) recorded over five repetitions. Eighteen participants completed muscle size assessment by ultrasound measurement of cross-sectional area (mCSA, cm<sup>2</sup>) in the rectus femoris and vastus medialis, as well as muscle thickness (cm) in the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis. NMJ integrity was assessed in 19 participants by measuring plasma C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF) levels. All assessments were measured at baseline and 8 weeks.<h4>Results</h4>Following 8 weeks of CrM, mean hand-grip strength increased by 1.9 kg from baseline (<i>p</i> = 0.02). Lower leg strength did not change for any velocity among the ten participants who completed leg dynamometry.
Impact of creatine supplementation and exercise training in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
The aim of this study is to assess the effects of the combination of and exercise training on older adults' physical performance and body composition. This meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases (date of access: 30 August 2024) were queried. Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria and a total of 1093 participants (69% females and 31% males) were included in the study. The mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and the overall effect size was calculated for all comparisons between the creatine plus exercise training group and placebo plus exercise training group. The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the quality of articles. Our findings showed that creatine intake and exercise training significantly affect 1RM (kg) in older adults (mean difference = 2.122, Z = 3.255, P = 0.001). There was a significant effect on fat percentage (%) in older adults (mean difference = -0.548, Z = -2.231, P = 0.026), while creatine intake and exercise training did not have a significant effect on bone mineral density (BMD) of total body (g/cm<sup>2</sup>) in older adults (mean difference = 0.009, Z = 0.587, P = 0.557). By participating in exercise training programs and creatine supplementation, older adults can improve their functional performance and body composition. However, the effects of exercise training and creatine supplementation o
Dose-Response of Creatine Supplementation on Cognitive Function in Healthy Young Adults
Abstract
To determine if creatine (Cr) supplementation could influence cognitive performance and whether any changes were related to changes in prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation during such cognitive tasks, thirty (M = 11, F = 19) participants were evenly randomized to receive supplementation with Cr (CR10:10 g/day or CR20:20 g/day) or a placebo (PLA:10 g/day) for 6 weeks. Participants completed a cognitive test battery (processing speed, episodic memory, and attention) on two separate occasions prior to and following supplementation. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to measure PFC oxyhemoglobin (O<sub>2</sub>Hb) during the cognitive evaluation. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine the differences between the groups and the timepoints for the cognitive performance scores and PFC O<sub>2</sub>Hb. In addition, a one-way ANOVA of % change was used to determine pre- and post-differences between the groups. Creatine (independent of dosage) had no significant effect on the measures of cognitive performance. There was a trend for decreased relative PFC O<sub>2</sub>Hb in the CR10 group versus the PLA group in the processing speed test (<i>p</i> = 0.06). Overall, six weeks of Cr supplementation at a moderate or high dose does not improve cognitive performance or change PFC activation in young adults.
Quelle: Europe PMC. Filter: peer-reviewed, Open Access, Lizenz CC0 / CC BY / CC BY-SA, 2015–2026. Die Evidenzstufe ist eine Demo-Heuristik aus Publikationstyp und Zitationszahl, kein etablierter Score.