Effects of creatine supplementation and exercise training on fitness in men 55–75 yr old

Abstract

effect of oral creatine supplementation (CR; 5 g/day) in conjunction with exercise training on physical fitness was investigated in men between 55 and 75 yr of age (n = 46). A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled (PL) trial was performed over a 6-mo period. Furthermore, a subgroup (n = 20) completed a 1-yr follow-up. The training program consisted of cardiorespiratory endurance training as well as moderate resistance training (2-3 sessions/wk). Endurance capacity was evaluated during a maximal incremental bicycle ergometer test, maximal isometric strength of the knee-extensor muscles was assessed by an isokinetic dynamometer, and body composition was assessed by hydrostatic weighing. Furthermore, in a subgroup (PL: n = 13; CR: n = 12) biopsies were taken from m. vastus lateralis to determine total creatine (TCr) content. In PL, 6 mo of training increased peak oxygen uptake rate (+16%; P < 0.05). Fat-free mass slightly increased (+0.3 kg; P < 0.05), whereas percent body fat slightly decreased (-1.2%; P < 0.05). The training intervention did not significantly change either maximal isometric strength or body weight. The responses were independent of CR. Still, compared with PL, TCr was increased by approximately 5% in CR, and this increase was closely correlated with initial muscle creatine content (r = -0.78; P < 0.05). After a 1-yr follow-up, muscle TCr was not higher in CR than in PL. Furthermore, the other measurements were not affected by CR. It is concluded that long-term creatine intake (5 g/day) in conjunction with exercise training does not beneficially impact physical fitness in men between 55 and 75 yr of age.

No effects of lifelong creatine supplementation on sarcopenia in senescence-accelerated mice (SAMP8)

“…Together, these data seem to support the conclusion that creatine supplementation is not an effective long-term strategy to prevent senescence-associated sarcopenia. Such contention is compatible with our earlier study in humans that showed one year of creatine supplementation not to beneficially impact muscular functional capacity in older males enrolled in an exercise training program (4). In contrast to the latter study, where intervention covered only a fraction of the total atrophy period and where subjects did not exhibit lowered creatine stores, the present study had the additional advantage that creatine could be supplemented during nearly the entire life span in an animal model that displays lowered creatine stores at older age (Ϫ35%).…”

“…Short-lived additive effects of oral creatine supplementation and resistance training have been reported in older men (1,5). However, a recent study from our laboratory failed to report beneficial effects of creatine supplementation (5 g/day) combined with exercise training over a 6-mo period in 55-to 75-yr-old men (4). In this respect, two experimental issues are of importance.…”

Novel Insights on Nutrient Management of Sarcopenia in the Elderly

“…Brose et al (2003) reported an increase in total muscle creatine (30% men, 17% women) in elderly subjects (70 years) who underwent 14 weeks of resistance training associated with intake of creatine in a dose of 5 g/day [60], a result that is similar to the increases reported in younger adults [61,62]. Eijnde et al (2003) reported an increase in total muscle creatine (5%) and free creatine (21%) following 6 months of exercise program for muscular endurance associated with the creatine supplementation (5 g/day) [63]. From these studies, although limited in number, it seems that the muscle creatine in the elderly can be increased with oral creatine supplementation in a dose of 5 g/day, but that the magnitude of the response can be significantly affected by the initial muscle creatine.…”

Mobility, Balance, and Muscle Strength Adaptations to Short-Term Whole Body Vibration Training Plus Oral Creatine Supplementation in Elderly Women

“…Moreover, the findings on the effect of creatine supplementation with different time periods on strength are inconsistent. In some studies, a significant increase was reported in leg and hand strength after 7 (23, 24) and 14 days (34) of creatine supplementation, while no significant changes have been reported even after 52 days (35) and 6 months of supplementation (36) in other studies. In a study, a significant improvement was reported in leg strength after 14 weeks of 4 Asian J Sports Med.…”

“…Therefore, in response to creatine, people can be categorized into responders and nonresponders; thus, based on this fact, it may be possible that people give positive response to creatine supplementation or show no change (36,37,47). Candow et al (2008) showed that those who had less basic level of total intracellular creatine, experienced more response to creatine supplement with resistance training (48).…”