Daily creatine supplementation could help middle-aged and older adults preserve lean muscle mass, gain strength and support cognitive function, whether it's paired with exercise or not, according to a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
The 12-week study, conducted by researchers at Texas A&M University’s Exercise & Sport Nutrition Lab, evaluated 64 men and women ages 45 to 65.
Participants were divided into non-exercise and exercise-plus-diet groups, then randomly assigned to take either 10 grams of creatine monohydrate per day — administered in two 5-gram doses — or a placebo.
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Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that helps cells regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source for cellular activity in both muscle and brain tissue, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Creatine monohydrate is a dietary supplement that helps muscles produce quick energy during activities like strength training.
Adults naturally lose muscle mass and strength as they age, a condition known as sarcopenia. While dieting can accelerate that muscle loss, the new study found that creatine monohydrate helped counter the effect.
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Adding creatine to an exercise and diet intervention resulted in greater reductions in body fat percentage, better preservation of lean body mass, and marked improvements in upper- and lower-body strength compared to a placebo.
Even among participants who did not engage in exercise or dietary changes, daily creatine supplementation increased lean tissue mass and improved muscular strength and endurance, according to the study.
"The fact that you can increase lean muscle mass even without exercise is remarkable, especially as we age," New York-based fitness coach Jacob Zemer told Fox News Digital. "Between the physical and mental benefits, most people should be considering creatine supplementation."
The expert, who was not involved in the study, noted that even participants who did not exercise saw an increase in their bench press and leg press.
Zemer said the findings suggest creatine may help build actual muscle tissue that generates strength, rather than simply increasing the amount of water stored in muscle cells.
Beyond physical performance, the researchers found that the 10-gram daily dose of creatine supported improvements in select tests of memory and cognitive processing.
"My main takeaway from the study is that the benefits of creatine extend far beyond just athletes and bodybuilders," Zemer said. "Creatine continues to be the most scientifically studied and validated supplement on the market."
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However, the trainer emphasized that supplementation should not replace regular physical activity.
"Just because you can increase lean muscle mass by taking creatine without exercise does not mean that it is optimal or a replacement for exercise," Zemer cautioned.
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"The benefits of exercise will always supersede those of creatine alone, and when the two are combined, they are both enhanced."
The study authors noted several limitations to their findings.
Participants chose whether to join the exercise or non-exercise groups before being randomly assigned to receive either creatine or a placebo, which could have introduced lifestyle differences between the groups.
Additionally, because the study lasted just 12 weeks and included only healthy adults, researchers don't yet know whether the benefits would be long-term or whether they would apply to people with serious metabolic or neurological conditions.
For those considering taking creatine, Zemer advised consulting a healthcare professional to determine whether it's right for them, then choosing a reputable brand, staying hydrated and taking it consistently.
"Recommended minimum dosages for creatine are typically 3 grams for women and 5 grams for men," he said. "This study used higher dosages. Creatine is about consistency rather than when you take it, so find a time you can consistently take it daily."
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According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, creatine is generally considered safe for healthy adults, although some people may experience bloating, stomach discomfort or water retention.
Experts recommend talking with a healthcare provider before beginning supplementation, particularly for those with kidney disease or other chronic health conditions.