title: In sickness and in health: the widespread application of creatine supplementation.
abstract: There is an extensive and still growing body of the literature supporting the efficacy of creatine (Cr) supplementation. In sports, creatine has been recognized as the most effective nutritional supplement in enhancing exercise tolerance, muscle strength and lean body mass. From a clinical perspective, the application of Cr supplementation is indeed exciting. Evidences of benefits from this supplement have been reported in a broad range of diseases, including myopathies, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, rheumatic diseases, and type 2 diabetes. In addition, after hundreds of published studies and millions of exposures creatine supplementation maintains an excellent safety profile. Thus, we contend that the widespread application of this supplement may benefit athletes, elderly people and various patient populations. In this narrative review, we aimed to summarize both the ergogenic and therapeutic effects of Cr supplementation. Furthermore, we reviewed the impact of Cr supplementation on kidney function.
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Av Mello de Moraes, 65 Butantã, Sao Paulo, Brazil. gualano@usp.br
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gualano
authors.forename: Hamilton
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Roschel
authors.forename: Antonio Herbert
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Lancha
authors.forename: Charles E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Brightbill
authors.forename: Eric S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Rawson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D003401:Creatine / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D058573:Performance-Enhancing Substances / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055070:Resistance Training; D013177:Sports
chemical_list: D058573:Performance-Enhancing Substances; D003401:Creatine