How does creatine supplementation compare to illegal performance enhancers such as anabolic steroids or blood doping in regards to performance improvement?
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| In conclusion, when compared to creatine monohydrate, creatine ethyl ester was not as effective at increasing serum and muscle creatine levels or in improving body composition, muscle mass, strength, and power. | |
99 Citations | Creatine supplementation is widely practiced by athletes in many sports and does not contravene current doping regulations. |
151 Citations | Recent data indicate that athletes may not be using creatine as a sports performance booster per se but instead use creatine chronically as a training aid to augment intense resistance training workouts. |
155 Citations | Results indicate that long-term creatine supplementation (up to 21-months) does not appear to adversely effect markers of health status in athletes undergoing intense training in comparison to athletes who do not take creatine. |
114 Citations | The limited body of scientific data available concerning highly trained athletes performing single competition-like exercise tasks indicates that this type of population does not benefit from creatine supplementation. |
73 Citations | Apparently, collegiate athletes in this study are in need of education regarding the proper use of creatine supplementation. |
| Creatine may be of benefit in other modes of exercise such as high-intensity sprints or endurance training. |
Related Questions
Is creatine a good supplement to use at the gym?4 answersCreatine is a beneficial supplement for gym-goers due to its ability to enhance muscle performance, increase energy supply, and promote muscle hypertrophy. Studies highlight creatine's role in improving muscle tone, strength, recovery, and lean body mass gain. It is a widely studied ergogenic aid that aids in increasing anaerobic energy capacity, protein synthesis, and muscle mass while decreasing protein breakdown. Creatine supplementation has been consistently linked to positive effects on short-duration, high-intensity exercises, leading to gains in strength, power, sprint performance, and fat-free mass, as well as faster recovery between intense exercise bouts. Additionally, research indicates that creatine is safe, well-tolerated, and may offer neurologic benefits relevant to sports, making it a valuable supplement for athletes.
Does creatine supplementation improve post-exercise recovery in athletes?4 answersCreatine supplementation has been shown to have positive effects on post-exercise recovery in athletes. Studies have consistently demonstrated that creatine supplementation can reduce muscle damage and promote faster recovery of lost force-production potential. It has been found to decrease creatine kinase (CK) concentration, a marker of muscle damage, at various follow-up times after exercise. However, the effects on other markers such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration and muscle soreness are less consistent. While some studies have reported no significant changes in muscle strength, range of motion, inflammation, or oxidative stress with creatine supplementation, others have shown improvements in muscle function and increased lean muscle mass. Overall, creatine supplementation appears to have potential benefits for post-exercise recovery in athletes, but further well-controlled studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings.
What are the most recent findings on the efficacy and safety of creatine supplementation?5 answersCreatine supplementation has been found to have positive effects on athletic performance, muscle strength, and muscle mass gain. It has also been shown to enhance postexercise recovery, prevent injuries, and aid in rehabilitation. In addition, creatine supplementation may have neuroprotective effects and potential benefits for cognitive function post brain injury. Studies have consistently shown that short- and long-term creatine supplementation is safe and well tolerated in healthy individuals and various patient populations. There is no evidence to suggest that creatine supplementation causes kidney damage, hair loss, dehydration, or muscle cramping. It is also not an anabolic steroid and does not lead to water retention or increased fat mass. Creatine supplementation is beneficial for older adults and has been shown to increase strength and muscle mass in this population. Overall, creatine supplementation is considered safe and effective for improving muscle performance and recovery in athletes and exercising individuals, as well as for promoting muscle strength and function in older adults.
Is creatine supplementation safe for children and adolescents?5 answersCreatine supplementation appears to be safe for children and adolescents, based on the available evidence. Studies involving creatine supplementation and exercise performance in adolescent athletes generally report improvements in several ergogenic outcomes with limited evidence of negative effects and consistent reports indicating no adverse events associated with supplementation. Furthermore, evidence-based research shows that creatine supplementation is relatively well tolerated, especially at recommended dosages. Research also highlights the ability of creatine to confer several health-related benefits in select clinical populations, suggesting a favorable safety profile. Short- and long-term supplementation of creatine has been shown to be safe and well tolerated in healthy individuals and in a number of patient populations. Overall, the current literature suggests that creatine supplementation is safe for children and adolescents, but further research is needed to fully understand its effects in this population.
What effects does creatine supplementation have on creatine kinase levels?5 answersCreatine supplementation has been shown to have varying effects on creatine kinase (CK) levels. One study found that creatine monohydrate supplementation did not reduce CK increases after exercise in statin-treated subjects. However, another study found that acutely giving beetroot juice, which contains creatine, after strenuous physical activity can reduce CK levels in trained male athletes. Additionally, the pleiotropic effects of creatine, including its role in the CK/phosphocreatine (PCr) system, have been extensively studied. These studies have established the functions of the CK/PCr system as an energy buffer, energy transport system, and metabolic regulator. Furthermore, a study on the effects of creatine supplementation and exercise on muscle fiber integrity found that creatine supplementation did not compromise CK assay methodology. Overall, the effects of creatine supplementation on CK levels appear to be influenced by various factors such as the form of creatine supplementation and the type of physical activity performed.
Does creatine increase testosterone levels?3 answersCreatine supplementation has been shown to increase testosterone levels in some studies. However, other studies have not found a significant change in testosterone levels with creatine supplementation. It is important to note that the effects of creatine on testosterone levels may vary depending on factors such as dosage, duration of supplementation, and individual response.