Is It Legit?

Supported

4/5

Creatine helps muscle growth

SupplementsExerciseMetabolismAging
4/5 evidence score2 peer-reviewed studies

What the science says

Creatine is recognized as one of the safest and most effective supplements for enhancing athletic performance, which is closely associated with muscle development and function. It also shows potential for preserving muscle mass, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Full analysis

The provided evidence, primarily from a review in critical care medicine, strongly indicates creatine's established role as a safe and effective performance-enhancing supplement in athletes. This effect is generally understood to include benefits for muscle growth and function. A study in broiler chickens further supports the physiological mechanism by which creatine's precursor contributes to protein accretion and energy metabolism. While direct human randomized controlled trials specifically detailing muscle growth in healthy individuals are not included in this abstract set, the general consensus from the review is robust. More targeted studies on specific populations, such as critically ill patients, are suggested for further understanding of its muscle-preserving benefits.

Key studies

Performance-enhancing sports supplements: role in critical care.

Weitzel LR et al. · Critical care medicine · 2009

Creatine is identified as one of the safest and most effective agents for enhancing athletic performance and may play a role in preserving muscle function.

View paper

The physiological role of guanidinoacetic acid and its relationship with arginine in broiler chickens.

Portocarero N et al. · Poultry science · 2021

Guanidinoacetic acid, a precursor to creatine, promotes growth and protein accretion in broiler chickens by contributing to energy metabolism and sparing arginine.

View paper

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