Faculty Articles
A Randomized Double-Blind Evaluation of the Gastrointestinal, Body Composition, Stress Response and Cognitive Function Impacts of Creatine Supplementation in Healthy Adults
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-28-2021
Publication Title
EC Nutrition
Volume
16
Issue/Number
11
Abstract/Excerpt
Creatine monohydrate is a popular ergogenic aid used by athletes, adolescents and older individuals. There are various forms of creatine supplements that are on the market, however, creatine monohydrate is the most popular. Creatine itself is considered as less stable in solution when left in solution over time. Advances in product development and science may allow for a more stable aqueous solution of creatine. One major concern of ready-to-drink creatine supplements is the potential adverse gastrointestinal effects. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, the potential gastrointestinal effects of stabilized creatine (CreaBev®) as compared to standard creatine monohydrate versus control was tested. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive the CreaBev® supplement, creatine monohydrate supplement or no supplement (control). Subjects were instructed to consume one serving of the supplement (delivering 5 gm creatine) on a daily basis for 28 days. Subjects underwent baseline testing and end of study testing. The Severity of Dyspepsia Analysis (SODA) questionnaire and National Institutes of Health (NIH) Cognitive Test Toolbox were used to evaluate GI effects and cognition. Additional testing included body composition analysis (including fluid balance), and exploratory measurement of the stress biomarkers, salivary alpha amylase and cortisol. Following the consumption of CreaBev, no adverse gastrointestinal side effects were reported. Cognition via the Dimension Change Test significantly improved (pre: 104 ± 14 to post: 116 ± 14; p = 0.0017) in the CreaBev group. There was no observed differences in total body fluid status over the 28 days between the groups (p > 0.05) No significant differences in levels of salivary alpha amylase, cortisol and anthropometrics were observed. The use of CreaBev did not cause any adverse GI effects and improved cognitive performance on the Dimension Change Test.
NSUWorks Citation
Kalman, D. S.,
Hohl, C.,
Petersen, B.,
Flynn, S.,
Evans, C.,
Antonio, J.,
Tartar, J. L.
(2021). A Randomized Double-Blind Evaluation of the Gastrointestinal, Body Composition, Stress Response and Cognitive Function Impacts of Creatine Supplementation in Healthy Adults. EC Nutrition, 16(11).
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/2007
COinS