Potential benefits of creatine monohydrate supplementation in the elderly

Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2000 Nov;3(6):497-502. doi: 10.1097/00075197-200011000-00013.

Abstract

Creatine plays a role in cellular energy metabolism and potentially has a role in protein metabolism. Creatine monohydrate supplementation has been shown to result in an increase in skeletal muscle total and phosphocreatine concentration, increase fat-free mass, and enhance high-intensity exercise performance in young healthy men and women. Recent evidence has also demonstrated a neuroprotective effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation in animal models of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and after ischemia. A low total and phosphocreatine concentration has been reported in human skeletal muscle from aged individuals and those with neuromuscular disorders. A few studies of creatine monohydrate supplementation in the elderly have not shown convincing evidence of a beneficial effect with respect to muscle mass and/or function. Future studies will be required to address the potential for creatine monohydrate supplementation to attenuate age-related muscle atrophy and strength loss, as well as to protect against age-dependent neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / drug effects
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Creatine / administration & dosage*
  • Creatine / metabolism
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Skeletal / drug effects*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • Sports / physiology

Substances

  • Proteins
  • Creatine