Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Properties of Muscle, Bone, and Brain Function in Older Adults: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Aging is associated with reductions in muscle and bone mass and brain function, which may be counteracted by several lifestyle factors, of which exercise appears to be most beneficial. However, less than 20% of older adults (> 55 years of age) adhere to performing the recommended amount of resistance training (≥ 2 days/week) and less than 12% regularly meet the aerobic exercise guidelines (≥ 150 min/week of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise) required to achieve significant health benefits. Therefore, from a healthy aging and clinical perspective, it is important to determine whether other lifestyle interventions (independent of exercise) can have beneficial effects on aging muscle quality and quantity, bone strength, and brain function. Creatine, a nitrogen containing organic compound found in all cells of the body, has the potential to have favorable effects on muscle, bone, and brain health (independent of exercise) in older adults. The purpose of this narrative review is to examine and summarize the small body of research investigating the effects of creatine supplementation alone on measures of muscle mass and performance, bone mineral and strength, and indices of brain health in older adults.

Keywords:

• Dosage
• strength
• fatigue
• function
• cognition

Declaration of interest

DGC has conducted industry sponsored research involving creatine supplementation, received creatine donation for scientific studies and travel support for presentations involving creatine supplementation at scientific conferences. In addition, DGC serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for Alzchem (a company which manufactures creatine). SCF has served as a scientific advisor for a company that sells creatine products. LHF and TPSJ declare no competing interests. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Scott C. Forbes

Scott C. Forbes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Education at Brandon University. His research interests are dietary supplements, exercise physiology and metabolism.

Darren G. Candow

Darren G. Candow is a Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina. His research interests are dietary supplements, exercise physiology and metabolism.

Luis H. B. Ferreira

Luis H. Ferreira is a PhD student in the research group on metabolism at the Federal University of Parana. His research interests are dietary supplements, exercise physiology and metabolism.

Tacito P. Souza-Junior

Tacito P. Souza-Junior is an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Parana. His research interests are dietary supplements, exercise physiology and metabolism.