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Does Creatine Supplementation Enhance Performance in Active Females? A Systematic Review.

Nutrients
January 10, 2025
Ryan Tam et al. (3 authors)
Journal ArticleSystematic ReviewReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of creatine supplementation in improving exercise performance in active females and appraise the quality of research in this area.

Results Summary

Most studies showed no improvement in performance compared to placebo, with only 3/11 showing strength/power improvements, 4/17 showing anaerobic improvements, and 1/5 showing aerobic improvements. Study quality varied, and methodological considerations for female athletes were poorly addressed.

Population

Physically active females, ranging from recreationally active to elite.

Effective Dosage

Ranged from five days to 12 weeks with various dosage strategies (specific amounts not detailed).

Duration

Five days to 12 weeks.

Interactions

None mentioned.

Extracted Claims (4)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
creatine supplementation
increase
strength/power outcomes
active females
3/11 studies
showed an improvement
#1
creatine supplementation
increase
anaerobic outcomes
active females
4/17 studies
showed an improvement
#2
creatine supplementation
increase
aerobic outcomes
active females
1/5 studies
showed an improvement
#3
creatine supplementation
no change
performance
active females
-
most studies showed no improvement
#4
Abstract

The use of creatine as a dietary supplement is widespread. However, its reported performance benefit has been largely demonstrated in male populations. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of creatine supplementation in improving exercise performance in active females. A secondary aim was to appraise the quality of research in this area. Five databases were searched from the earliest record to July 2024. Eligible studies used supplemental creatine as an intervention with physically active female participants and reported an exercise performance-related outcome. Study quality was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program randomised controlled trials checklist with four additional items related to methodological considerations for research with active females. Performance outcomes were categorised as strength/power, anaerobic, or aerobic. Of the 10,563 records identified, 27 studies were included. Participant calibre ranged from recreationally active to elite. Creatine interventions ranged from five days to 12 weeks and included a range of dosage strategies. Compared to placebo, 3/11 studies showed an improvement in strength/power outcomes, 4/17 showed an improvement in anaerobic outcomes, and 1/5 showed an improvement in aerobic outcomes. Study quality varied, but methodological considerations for research with female athletes were poorly addressed by most studies. Although some benefits were reported, most studies showed no improvement in performance compared to placebo. The heterogeneity in participant characteristics, performance tests, creatine intervention, insufficient consideration of the unique physiological characteristics of females, and an overall small evidence base limits our understanding of how creatine supplementation influences physical performance in active females.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansCreatineFemaleDietary SupplementsAthletic PerformanceAdultExerciseMuscle StrengthYoung AdultAthletesPerformance-Enhancing SubstancesRandomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy35/10
Quality65/10
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score2.30
Normalized Score0.47
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