Effects of long-term low-dose dietary creatine supplementation in older women.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of dextrose (as a placebo) versus creatine supplementation on bone health, lean mass, and muscle function in older postmenopausal women.
Results Summary
Dextrose, used as a placebo, showed no significant effects on bone mineral density, body composition, or muscle function compared to baseline or the creatine group. Safety parameters remained unchanged, and no adverse effects were reported.
Population
Older postmenopausal women with osteopenia.
Effective Dosage
1g/d
Duration
One year
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
one-year low-dose creatine supplementation (1g/d) | no change | bone mineral density at lumbar spine | older postmenopausal women | - | did not affect | #1 |
one-year low-dose creatine supplementation (1g/d) | no change | bone mineral density at femoral neck | older postmenopausal women | - | did not affect | #2 |
one-year low-dose creatine supplementation (1g/d) | no change | bone mineral density at total femur | older postmenopausal women | - | did not affect | #3 |
one-year low-dose creatine supplementation (1g/d) | no change | bone mineral density at whole body | older postmenopausal women | - | did not affect | #4 |
one-year low-dose creatine supplementation (1g/d) | no change | body weight | older postmenopausal women | - | No significant changes | #5 |
one-year low-dose creatine supplementation (1g/d) | no change | BMI | older postmenopausal women | - | No significant changes | #6 |
one-year low-dose creatine supplementation (1g/d) | no change | absolute body fat | older postmenopausal women | - | No significant changes | #7 |
one-year low-dose creatine supplementation (1g/d) | no change | relative body fat | older postmenopausal women | - | No significant changes | #8 |
one-year low-dose creatine supplementation (1g/d) | no change | body lean mass | older postmenopausal women | - | No significant changes | #9 |
one-year low-dose creatine supplementation (1g/d) | no change | muscle function as assessed by timed-up-and-go test | older postmenopausal women | - | were not significantly changed | #10 |
one-year low-dose creatine supplementation (1g/d) | no change | muscle function as assessed by timed-stands test | older postmenopausal women | - | were not significantly changed | #11 |
one-year low-dose creatine supplementation (1g/d) | no change | safety laboratory parameters | older postmenopausal women | - | remained unaltered | #12 |
one-year low-dose creatine supplementation (1g/d) | no change | adverse effects | older postmenopausal women | - | was free of | #13 |
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effects of a one-year low-dose creatine supplementation trial on bone health, lean mass, and muscle function in older postmenopausal women. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo controlled trial was conducted between November 2011 and November 2013 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Postmenopausal osteopenic women were randomly allocated (1:1) into creatine (n=56; 1g/d) or placebo group (n=53; dextrose at same dose). At baseline and after one year of intervention, we assessed parameters of bone health, body composition, and muscle function. Blood parameters were also assessed before and after the intervention and adverse events were recorded throughout the trial. Possible differences in dietary intake were assessed by three 24-h dietary recalls. RESULTS: Bone mineral density at lumbar spine, femoral neck, total femur, and whole body did not differ within- or between-groups. No significant changes in body weight, BMI, absolute and relative body fat, and body lean mass were observed. Muscle function, as assessed by timed-up-and-go and timed-stands tests, were not significantly changed within- or between-groups. Safety laboratory parameters remained unaltered. CONCLUSION: A one-year low-dose creatine supplementation (1g/d) was free of adverse effects, but did not affect bone health parameters, lean mass, or muscle function in older women. Further studies with longer follow-up periods and higher doses of creatine supplementation are warranted. (Registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01472393).