Exploring the role of creatine in muscle performance, supplementation benefits for older adults, dosing and side effects of creatine, risks and safety concerns, and the influence of dietary creatine on brain levels and muscle performance.
Creatine supplementation, when combined with resistance training, can lead to increased lean mass and muscle strength in older adults.
Creatine supplementation is generally safe, with weight gain through water retention being the most reported side effect.
Deep dives
Creatine and Muscle Performance in Older Adults
Creatine is a compound naturally formed in the human body and is involved in energy production in muscles and the brain. While meat consumption provides some dietary creatine, our bodies can produce most of the required amounts. Vegetarians and meat-eaters respond similarly to creatine supplementation, showing increases in muscle power output. Creatine supplementation alone or without exercise does not show benefits for muscle mass and strength. However, when combined with resistance training, adding 3 to 5 grams of creatine per day can lead to increased lean mass and muscle strength in older adults.
Safety and Side Effects of Creatine
Creatine supplementation is generally safe, with weight gain through water retention being the most reported side effect. Serious side effects are rare, observed only in individuals with pre-existing kidney diseases consuming exceptionally high doses. The recommended dose of creatine to achieve muscle saturation is 3 grams per day, and up to this dosage, there is unlikely to be any risk. Consumers should choose products from producers with high-quality control to ensure purity.
Creatine and Homocysteine Levels
Homocysteine is a waste product produced during the process of making creatine in the body. Adequate intake of vitamin B12 and folate helps detoxify homocysteine, but deficiencies can lead to elevated levels. Plant-based eaters who are deficient in B12 may experience higher homocysteine levels. Some evidence suggests that creatine supplementation may help lower homocysteine levels, especially if other dietary interventions have been unsuccessful. However, further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between creatine and homocysteine.