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Candow DG, Forbes SC, Ostojic SM, Prokopidis K, Stock MS, Harmon KK, Faulkner P. "Heads Up" for Creatine Supplementation and its Potential Applications for Brain Health and Function. Sports Med 2023; 53:49-65. [PMID: 37368234 PMCID: PMC10721691 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01870-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
There is emerging interest regarding the potential beneficial effects of creatine supplementation on indices of brain health and function. Creatine supplementation can increase brain creatine stores, which may help explain some of the positive effects on measures of cognition and memory, especially in aging adults or during times of metabolic stress (i.e., sleep deprivation). Furthermore, creatine has shown promise for improving health outcome measures associated with muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injury (including concussions in children), depression, and anxiety. However, whether any sex- or age-related differences exist in regard to creatine and indices of brain health and function is relatively unknown. The purpose of this narrative review is to: (1) provide an up-to-date summary and discussion of the current body of research focusing on creatine and indices of brain health and function and (2) discuss possible sex- and age-related differences in response to creatine supplementation on brain bioenergetics, measures of brain health and function, and neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren G Candow
- Aging Muscle & Bone Health Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology & Health Studies, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada.
| | - Scott C Forbes
- Department of Physical Education Studies, Brandon University, Brandon, MB, Canada
| | - Sergej M Ostojic
- Department of Nutrition and Public Health, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | | | - Matt S Stock
- School of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Kylie K Harmon
- Department of Exercise Science, Syracuse University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul Faulkner
- Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, UK
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Harmon KK, Stout JR, Fukuda DH, Pabian PS, Rawson ES, Stock MS. The Application of Creatine Supplementation in Medical Rehabilitation. Nutrients 2021; 13:1825. [PMID: 34071875 PMCID: PMC8230227 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous health conditions affecting the musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and nervous systems can result in physical dysfunction, impaired performance, muscle weakness, and disuse-induced atrophy. Due to its well-documented anabolic potential, creatine monohydrate has been investigated as a supplemental agent to mitigate the loss of muscle mass and function in a variety of acute and chronic conditions. A review of the literature was conducted to assess the current state of knowledge regarding the effects of creatine supplementation on rehabilitation from immobilization and injury, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiopulmonary disease, and other muscular disorders. Several of the findings are encouraging, showcasing creatine's potential efficacy as a supplemental agent via preservation of muscle mass, strength, and physical function; however, the results are not consistent. For multiple diseases, only a few creatine studies with small sample sizes have been published, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Rationale for discordant findings is further complicated by differences in disease pathologies, intervention protocols, creatine dosing and duration, and patient population. While creatine supplementation demonstrates promise as a therapeutic aid, more research is needed to fill gaps in knowledge within medical rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie K. Harmon
- Neuromuscular Plasticity Laboratory, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA;
| | - Jeffrey R. Stout
- Physiology of Work and Exercise Response (POWER) Laboratory, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA; (J.R.S.); (D.H.F.)
| | - David H. Fukuda
- Physiology of Work and Exercise Response (POWER) Laboratory, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA; (J.R.S.); (D.H.F.)
| | - Patrick S. Pabian
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA;
| | - Eric S. Rawson
- Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science, Messiah University, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, USA;
| | - Matt S. Stock
- Neuromuscular Plasticity Laboratory, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA;
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Lo JK, Robinson LR. Post-polio syndrome and the late effects of poliomyelitis: Part 2. treatment, management, and prognosis. Muscle Nerve 2018; 58:760-769. [PMID: 29752826 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is characterized by new muscle weakness and/or muscle fatigability that occurs many years after the initial poliomyelitis illness. An individualized approach to rehabilitation management is critical. Interventions may include rehabilitation management strategies, adaptive equipment, orthotic equipment, gait/mobility aids, and a variety of therapeutic exercises. The progression of muscle weakness in PPS is typically slow and gradual; however, there is also variability in both the natural history of weakness and functional prognosis. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of selected medical treatment. Muscle Nerve 58:760-769, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian K Lo
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Lawrence R Robinson
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
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Abstract
Many of the neuromuscular (e.g., muscular dystrophy) and neurometabolic (e.g., mitochondrial cytopathies) disorders share similar final common pathways of cellular dysfunction that may be favorably influenced by creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation. Studies using the mdx model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy have found evidence of enhanced mitochondrial function, reduced intra-cellular calcium and improved performance with CrM supplementation. Clinical trials in patients with Duchenne and Becker's muscular dystrophy have shown improved function, fat-free mass, and some evidence of improved bone health with CrM supplementation. In contrast, the improvements in function in myotonic dystrophy and inherited neuropathies (e.g., Charcot-Marie-Tooth) have not been significant. Some studies in patients with mitochondrial cytopathies have shown improved muscle endurance and body composition, yet other studies did not find significant improvements in patients with mitochondrial cytopathy. Lower-dose CrM supplementation in patients with McArdle's disease (myophosphorylase deficiency) improved exercise capacity, yet higher doses actually showed some indication of worsened function. Based upon known cellular pathologies, there are potential benefits from CrM supplementation in patients with steroid myopathy, inflammatory myopathy, myoadenylate deaminase deficiency, and fatty acid oxidation defects. Larger randomized control trials (RCT) using homogeneous patient groups and objective and clinically relevant outcome variables are needed to determine whether creatine supplementation will be of therapeutic benefit to patients with neuromuscular or neurometabolic disorders. Given the relatively low prevalence of some of the neuromuscular and neurometabolic disorders, it will be necessary to use surrogate markers of potential clinical efficacy including markers of oxidative stress, cellular energy charge, and gene expression patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Tarnopolsky
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine (Neurology and Rehabilitation), Neuromuscular and Neurometabolic Clinic, Rm 2H26, McMaster University Medical Center, 1200 Main St. W., Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8N 3Z5
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) comprises a large variety of different forms of motor and sensory neuropathies. The most frequent are demyelinating forms (CMT1) and axonal forms (CMT2). The molecular basis of several CMT forms has been clarified during the last 15 years. Since muscle wasting and sensory disturbance are the main features of these syndromes, treatments aim to improve motor impairment and sensory disturbances. Specific treatment trials are rare. OBJECTIVES The objective was to review systematically all randomised and quasi-randomised studies of any treatment for CMT. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Trials Register, MEDLINE (January 1966 to August 2007), EMBASE (January 1980 to August 2007), LILACS (January 1982 to August 2007) for randomised controlled trials of treatment for CMT. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised and quasi-randomised trials of any treatment for people with CMT. Where a study aimed to evaluate the treatment of general neuromuscular symptoms of people with peripheral neuropathy including CMT, we included the study if we were able to identify the effect of treatment in the CMT group. Observational studies and case reports on the treatment of people with CMT were not included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors (PY and TBB) extracted the data, assessed study quality and performed data extraction independently. MAIN RESULTS Only one trial with only eight participants met all the inclusion criteria and provided the primary outcome measure for this review. In this trial, four participants treated with neurotrophin-3 had more improvement after six months on the Neuropathy Impairment Score, mean difference -9.50 (95% CI -13.77 to -5.23), than those four treated with placebo. Small trials of exercise training, creatine monohydrate, orthoses and purified bovine brain ganglioside injections (Cronassial) showed no significant benefit in people with genetically undefined CMT1 or CMT2. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Small trials of exercise, creatine, purified brain gangliosides, and orthoses have been performed. None showed significant benefit. A very small trial of neurotrophin-3 showed possible minor benefit which needs to be replicated in a larger trial. None of the two trials were large enough to detect moderate benefit or harm. Larger RCTs are needed for any form of pharmacological intervention as well as as for any form of physical intervention. Outcome measures should include a validated composite scale such as the Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Young
- University of Münster, Department of Neurology, Albert-Schweitzer-Str.33, Münster, Germany, 48129.
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Baker SK, Tarnopolsky MA. Targeting cellular energy production in neurological disorders. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2005; 12:1655-79. [PMID: 14519086 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.12.10.1655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The concepts of energy dysregulation and oxidative stress and their complicated interdependence have rapidly evolved to assume primary importance in understanding the pathophysiology of numerous neurological disorders. Therefore, neuroprotective strategies addressing specific bioenergetic defects hold particular promise in the treatment of these conditions (i.e., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Friedreich's ataxia, mitochondrial cytopathies and other neuromuscular diseases), all of which, to some extent, share 'the final common pathway' leading to cell death through either necrosis or apoptosis. Compounds such as creatine monohydrate and coenzyme Q(10) offer substantial neuroprotection against ischaemia, trauma, oxidative damage and neurotoxins. Miscellaneous agents, including alpha-lipoic acid, beta-OH-beta-methylbutyrate, riboflavin and nicotinamide, have also been shown to improve various metabolic parameters in brain and/or muscle. This review will highlight the biological function of each of the above mentioned compounds followed by a discussion of their utility in animal models and human neurological disease. The balance of this work will be comprised of discussions on the therapeutic applications of creatine and coenzyme Q(10).
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven K Baker
- Neurology and Rehabilitation, Room 4U4, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3Z5, Canada
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Ellis AC, Rosenfeld J. The role of creatine in the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerative disorders. CNS Drugs 2004; 18:967-80. [PMID: 15584767 DOI: 10.2165/00023210-200418140-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Creatine is consumed in the diet and endogenously synthesised in the body. Over the past decade, the ergogenic benefits of synthetic creatine monohydrate have made it a popular dietary supplement, particularly among athletes. The anabolic properties of creatine also offer hope for the treatment of diseases characterised by weakness and muscle atrophy. Moreover, because of its cellular mechanisms of action, creatine offers potential benefits for diseases involving mitochondrial dysfunction. Recent data also support the hypothesis that creatine may have a neuroprotective effect. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterised by progressive degeneration of motor neurons, resulting in weakening and atrophy of skeletal muscles. In patients with this condition, creatine offers potential benefits in terms of facilitating residual muscle contractility as well as improving neuronal function. It may also help stabilise mitochondrial dysfunction, which plays a key role in the pathogenesis of ALS. Indeed, the likely multifactorial aetiology of ALS means the combined pharmacodynamic properties of creatine offer promise for the treatment of this condition. Evidence from available animal models of ALS supports the utility of treatment with creatine in this setting. Limited data available in other neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases further support the potential benefit of creatine monohydrate in ALS. However, few randomised, controlled trials have been conducted. To date, two clinical trials of creatine monohydrate in ALS have been completed without demonstration of significant improvements in overall survival or a composite measure of muscle strength. These trials have also posed unanswered questions about the optimal dosage of creatine and its beneficial effects on muscle fatigue, a measure distinct from muscle strength. A large, multicentre, clinical trial is currently underway to further investigate the efficacy of creatine monohydrate in ALS and address these unresolved issues. Evidence to date shows that creatine supplementation has a good safety profile and is well tolerated by ALS patients. The purpose of this article is to provide a short, balanced review of the literature concerning creatine monohydrate in the treatment of ALS and related neurodegenerative diseases. The pharmacokinetics and rationale for the use of creatine are described along with available evidence from animal models and clinical trials for ALS and related neurodegenerative or neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Cameron Ellis
- Carolinas Neuromuscular/ALS Center, Charlotte, North Carolina 28203, USA.
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Abstract
Creatine is a nonessential dietary component that, when supplemented in the diet, has shown physiological benefits in athletes, in animal-based models of disease and in patients with various muscle, neurological and neuromuscular disease. The clinical relevance of creatine supplementation is based primarily on its role in ATP generation, and cells may be able to better handle rapidly changing energy demands with supplementation. Although the pharmacological outcome measures of creatine have been investigated, the behaviour of creatine in the blood and muscle is still not fully understood. Creatine is most probably actively absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in a similar way to amino acids and peptides. The distribution of creatine throughout the body is largely determined by the presence of creatine transporters. These transporters not only serve to distribute creatine but serve as a clearance mechanism because of creatine 'trapping' by skeletal muscle. Besides the pseudo-irreversible uptake by skeletal muscle, creatine clearance also depends on renal elimination and degradation to creatinine. Evidence suggests that creatine pharmacokinetics are nonlinear with respect to dose size and frequency. Skeletal muscle, the largest depot of creatine, has a finite capacity to store creatine. As such, when these stores are saturated, both volume of distribution and clearance can decrease, thus leading to complex pharmacokinetic situations. Additionally, other dietary components such as caffeine and carbohydrate can potentially affect pharmacokinetics by their influence on the creatine transporter. Disease and age may also affect the pharmacokinetics, but more information is needed. Overall, there are very limited pharmacokinetic data available for creatine, and further studies are needed to define absorption characteristics, clearance kinetics and the effect of multiple doses. Additionally, the relationship between plasma creatine and muscle creatine needs to be elucidated to optimise administration regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Persky
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
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Chetlin RD, Gutmann L, Tarnopolsky MA, Ullrich IH, Yeater RA. Resistance training exercise and creatine in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Muscle Nerve 2004; 30:69-76. [PMID: 15221881 DOI: 10.1002/mus.20078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Resistance exercise and creatine supplementation independently improve strength and function in patients with certain neuromuscular diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of resistance training with and without creatine supplementation on muscle, strength, and function in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. Twenty patients with CMT consumed 5 g/day creatine or placebo while participating in resistance training for 12 weeks. Energy metabolites, muscle fiber type and size, strength, and timed activities of daily living were measured before and after training. There were no differences between creatine or placebo groups for any outcome. For the groups combined, exercise training increased type I muscle fiber diameter (48.2 +/- 14.2 microm vs. 55.4 +/- 14.8 microm), strength, and activities of daily living (ADL) times. Thus, patients respond to resistance training with muscle fiber adaptations, and improvements in strength and function. Creatine was not beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Chetlin
- Department of Human Performance and Applied Exercise Science, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 9139, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-9139, USA.
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Lambert CP, Archer RL, Carrithers JA, Fink WJ, Evans WJ, Trappe TA. Influence of creatine monohydrate ingestion on muscle metabolites and intense exercise capacity in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003; 84:1206-10. [PMID: 12917861 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-9993(03)00262-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of ingesting creatine monohydrate in elevating intramuscular creatine stores and improving exercise capacity in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pre-posttrial. SETTING A university-based exercise physiology laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Sixteen individuals with relapsing-remitting MS (median Expanded Disability Status Scale score, 4.75; range, 1.5-6.0). INTERVENTION Eight individuals with MS were randomized to the creatine group (20g/d of creatine monohydrate for 5d), and 8 others were randomized to the placebo group. Needle biopsies were performed on the vastus lateralis at rest before and after treatment. Subjects performed 3 bouts of 30 maximal knee extensions and flexions at 180 degrees /s with 1 minute of recovery between bouts before and after treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Intramuscular total creatine, phosphocreatine, free creatine, and total work output. RESULTS Creatine ingestion did not significantly elevate intramuscular total creatine, phosphocreatine, or free creatine or improve total work production. CONCLUSION Creatine ingestion had no significant effect on muscle creatine stores or high-intensity exercise capacity in individuals with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles P Lambert
- Nutrition, Metabolism, and Exercise Laboratory, Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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Wyss M, Schulze A. Health implications of creatine: can oral creatine supplementation protect against neurological and atherosclerotic disease? Neuroscience 2002; 112:243-60. [PMID: 12044443 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4522(02)00088-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Major achievements made over the last several years have highlighted the important roles of creatine and the creatine kinase reaction in health and disease. Inborn errors of metabolism have been identified in the three main steps involved in creatine metabolism: arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT), S-adenosyl-L-methionine:N-guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT), and the creatine transporter. All these diseases are characterized by a lack of creatine and phosphorylcreatine in the brain, and by (severe) mental retardation. Similarly, knockout mice lacking the brain cytosolic and mitochondrial isoenzymes of creatine kinase displayed a slightly increased creatine concentration, but no phosphorylcreatine in the brain. These mice revealed decreased weight gain and reduced life expectancy, disturbed fat metabolism, behavioral abnormalities and impaired learning capacity. Oral creatine supplementation improved the clinical symptoms in both AGAT and GAMT deficiency, but not in creatine transporter deficiency. In addition, creatine supplementation displayed neuroprotective effects in several animal models of neurological disease, such as Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. All these findings pinpoint to a close correlation between the functional capacity of the creatine kinase/phosphorylcreatine/creatine system and proper brain function. They also offer a starting-point for novel means of delaying neurodegenerative disease, and/or for strengthening memory function and intellectual capabilities.Finally, creatine biosynthesis has been postulated as a major effector of homocysteine concentration in the plasma, which has been identified as an independent graded risk factor for atherosclerotic disease. By decreasing homocysteine production, oral creatine supplementation may, thus, also lower the risk for developing, e.g., coronary heart disease or cerebrovascular disease. Although compelling, these results require further confirmation in clinical studies in humans, together with a thorough evaluation of the safety of oral creatine supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Wyss
- Roche Vitamins AG, Biotechnology Department (VFB), Building 203/113A, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland.
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