How to Get the Most Out of Creatine | Darren Candow PhD
Apr 2, 2024
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Dr. Gabrielle Lyon interviews Darren Candow, a Professor and Director of the Aging Muscle and Bone Health Lab, discussing the benefits of creatine, its best dose for fat loss, mental health improvements, and debunking myths. They explore creatine's effects on brain function, bone density, exercise performance, and the importance of personalized health analysis. The conversation delves into creatine's impact on muscle growth, muscle fiber types, and its role in longevity through high-intensity training and debunking gender-specific myths.
Creatine enhances muscle energy, supports bone health, and aids in brain function.
Individuals have varying genetic thresholds for creatine storage, requiring personalized supplement dosages.
Creatine offers cognitive benefits, brain protection, and potential improvements in dementia prevention.
Deep dives
Overview of Dr. Khandau's Research Program
Dr. Darren Khandau specializes in aging, muscle, and bone health and aims to develop lifestyle interventions involving nutrition, like creatine monohydrate, and physical activity to enhance muscle, bone, and brain health and function.
Role of Creatine in Muscle, Bone, and Brain Health
Creatine acts as a fuel source for muscle cells, enhancing energy production and exercise performance. It also benefits bone health by supporting osteoblast cells and reducing bone breakdown. In the brain, creatine aids in maintaining ATP levels and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Genetic Threshold and Dosage of Creatine
There is a genetic threshold for creatine storage in muscles, with individuals able to store varying amounts based on muscle size. Taking creatine supplements can enhance muscle creatine levels, especially with exercise, and may require higher doses for athletes or individuals with intense training regimes.
Safety and Dosage Recommendations of Creatine
Creatine supplementation is considered safe and effective for improving muscle performance and health. While recommended dosages vary, a common approach is to start with 3-5 grams per day, with potential benefits observed within 30 days. Splitting doses or timing around exercise can enhance creatine absorption and utilization.
Creatine's Potential Benefits for Cognitive Health
Creatine is not only beneficial for muscle performance but also has cognitive and brain protection applications, especially in preventing dementia. Research suggests that creatine can positively impact brain health, offering protection and potential cognitive improvements. Studies are expected to reveal more data regarding the cognitive benefits of creatine, highlighting its significance beyond muscle strength and endurance.
Effect of Creatine on Bone Health in Postmenopausal Females
Creatine supplementation has shown favorable effects on bone mineral and geometry, lean tissue, and gait speed in postmenopausal females. Studies indicate that a higher dose of creatine, combined with exercise, can preserve bone health and may mitigate the risks of osteoporosis. The research underscores the importance of exercise alongside creatine intake for maintaining bone health, particularly in high-risk populations like postmenopausal women.
Darren G. Candow, Ph.D., CSEP-CEP, is Professor and Director of the Aging Muscle and Bone Health Laboratory in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina, Canada. Dr. Candow has published over 125 peer-refereed journal manuscripts (h-index: 43, i10-index: 89), supervised over 20 MSc and PhD students and received research funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and the Nutricia Research Foundation. In addition, Dr. Candow serves on the editorial review boards for the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, Nutrients, Frontiers, Advanced Exercise and Health Sciences and as a Scientific Advisor for AlzChem.
In this episode we discuss
What are the benefits of creatine?
Who is creatine best for, and is it safe?
The best dose amount for fat loss.
Can taking creatine improve your mental health?
This episode is brought to you by Apollo Neuro, Timeline Nutrition, MUD/WTR, Inside Tracker, 1st Phorm