Skeletal muscle total creatine content and creatine transporter gene expression in vegetarians prior to and following creatine supplementation

Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2004 Oct;14(5):517-31. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.14.5.517.

Abstract

This study examined the effect of vegetarianism on skeletal muscle total creatine (TCr) content and creatine transporter (CreaT) gene expression, prior to and during 5 d of Cr supplementation (CrS). In a double-blind, crossover design, 7 vegetarians (VEG) and nonvegetarians (NVEG) were assigned Cr or placebo supplements for 5 d and after 5 wk, received the alternative treatment. Muscle sampling occurred before, and after 1 and 5 d of treatment ingestion. Basal muscle TCr content was lower (P < 0.05) in VEG compared with NVEG. Muscle TCr increased (P < 0.05) throughout the Cr trial in both groups but was greater (P < 0.05) in VEG compared with NVEG, at days 1 and 5. CreaT gene expression was not different between VEG and NVEG. The results indicate that VEG have a lower muscle TCr content and an increased capacity to load Cr into muscle following CrS. Muscle CreaT gene expression does not appear to be affected by vegetarianism.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Creatine / administration & dosage*
  • Creatine / metabolism*
  • Creatine / urine
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Diet, Vegetarian*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Urinalysis

Substances

  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • creatine transporter
  • Creatine