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The Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Recovery from Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Considering Sex and Age Differences

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Paper Summary

Paperzilla title
Creatine Helps Muscles Bounce Back After Exercise, Especially in Women (But Don't Forget Individual Differences!)

This study found that creatine supplements may improve muscle recovery after intense exercise, showing better strength recovery and less soreness compared to a placebo. The effect on reducing swelling was particularly notable in women. However, individual responses varied, and factors like diet and hormones weren't strictly controlled, potentially affecting the results.

Explain Like I'm Five

Creatine might help muscles recover faster after intense exercise, especially in women. The study found that creatine supplements helped people regain strength and reduced muscle soreness after workouts.

Possible Conflicts of Interest

The study was funded in part by Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., which raises potential conflicts of interest.

Identified Limitations

Lack of Dietary Control and Tracking Menstrual Cycle
The study did not control for dietary habits (what the participants ate), which can affect how well the body processes creatine. This means the results could be influenced by diet and not just creatine intake. The study also didn't track the menstrual cycles of female participants, which can affect hormone levels that can influence inflammation and recovery.
Limited age range of participants
The limited age range may not represent the effects of creatine on older adults. This restricts how generalizable the findings are to the broader population.
High individual variability and limited sample size
Inter-individual variability in factors such as muscle fiber composition, creatine transporter expression, baseline nutritional status and genetics can influence the effects of creatine.

Rating Explanation

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a strength. However, several critical limitations existed, including the small sample size, limited age range of the sample, and the absence of dietary control and menstrual cycle phase information, reduce the generalizability and impact. Furthermore, there is funding bias from a company with a vested interest in promoting creatine.

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Topic Hierarchy

Domain: Health Sciences
Field: Medicine

File Information

Original Title: The Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Recovery from Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Considering Sex and Age Differences
Uploaded: August 09, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Privacy: Public