Creatine: Does The Muscle Builder Help Boost Testosterone?
Key Takeaways
Creatine is known for enhancing physical performance and muscle recovery.
Scientific evidence does not strongly link creatine use to increased testosterone levels.
Studies show no significant testosterone changes in males after using creatine.
Beyond muscle building, creatine may benefit brain and heart health.
It's essential to consider all aspects of supplements, including potential effects and limitations.
Creatine, a naturally occurring compound found in small amounts in certain foods and synthesised by the body, has been around since before Arny was lifting weights, and indeed one of the most widely researched supplements on the market in terms of scientific studies.
It is renowned for its ability to enhance performance, boost strength, and accelerate muscle recovery.
However, a question that often arises in the realm of fitness and bodybuilding is whether creatine, in addition to its well-established benefits, also plays a role in increasing testosterone levels.
In this article, we will explore the scientific evidence behind the benefits of creatine, discuss common types of creatine supplements, delve into the effects of creatine supplementation for athletes, and address the question of whether creatine has a significant impact on testosterone levels.
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Scientific Benefits of Creatine
Numerous scientific studies have substantiated the performance-enhancing effects of creatine. Creatine is stored in the muscles and serves as a rapid source of energy during high-intensity activities, such as weightlifting and sprinting. This compound has been extensively researched, and studies consistently highlight its efficacy in improving strength, power, and overall athletic performance.
One notable study, published in the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition," found that creatine supplementation significantly increased strength and muscle mass in resistance-trained athletes over a 12-week period (Buford et al., 2007). Another study in the "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research" demonstrated that creatine supplementation led to enhanced performance during high-intensity, short-duration activities (Bemben et al., 2001).
Creatine, often associated with its prowess in muscle building and athletic performance, holds a more nuanced story. In addition to its well-established benefits for physical performance, creatine has been the subject of research exploring its potential positive impacts on various aspects of health, including brain health, cardiovascular health, bone health, and its intriguing potential in traumatic brain injury (TBI) research.
1. Creatine and Brain Health
Beyond the confines of the gym, creatine has emerged as a potential ally for brain health. The brain, a high-energy organ, relies on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for its functions. Creatine, with its role in ATP regeneration, becomes a crucial player in sustaining cognitive processes.
A study published in the "Psychopharmacology" journal explored the cognitive effects of creatine supplementation in young adults and found that creatine positively influenced working memory and intelligence (Rae et al., 2003). This suggests that creatine might have cognitive-enhancing properties, making it an intriguing area for further exploration.
2. Creatine and Cardiovascular Health
While the primary spotlight on creatine revolves around muscles, emerging research suggests potential benefits for cardiovascular health. The heart, like skeletal muscles, relies on ATP for energy. Creatine's ability to enhance ATP regeneration might contribute to cardiovascular health.
A study published in the "Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology" investigated the effects of creatine on cardiac function and found that creatine supplementation had a protective effect on the heart during ischemic events (Lygate et al., 2007). This indicates a potential role for creatine in supporting heart health, although more research is needed to fully elucidate these effects.
3. Creatine and Bone Health
While the connection between creatine and bone health is an area less explored, some studies hint at potential benefits. Research published in the "Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology" proposed that creatine might have a role in promoting bone density, which could be particularly relevant for aging populations at risk of osteoporosis (Chilibeck et al., 2015). However, more research is needed to confirm and understand the mechanisms behind these potential effects.
4. Creatine in Traumatic Brain Injury Research
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) pose significant challenges, and researchers are constantly exploring avenues for potential interventions. Creatine, with its neuroprotective properties, has garnered interest in TBI research.
A study in the "Journal of Neurotrauma" investigated the effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function and found that creatine-treated patients with moderate to severe TBI showed improvements in various cognitive measures compared to a control group (Sakellaris et al., 2006). While promising, this area requires more extensive research to establish creatine's role in TBI management definitively.
Creatine is definitely a ‘watch this space’ for emerging research in its use in TBI and persistent post concussive symptoms.
Common Types of Creatine Supplements
Several forms of creatine supplements are available, each with its unique characteristics. The most common types include creatine monohydrate, creatine ethyl ester, and buffered creatine. Among these, creatine monohydrate is the most extensively researched and widely regarded as the most effective.
Creatine Monohydrate: This is the most researched and proven form of creatine. It is cost-effective and has consistently demonstrated positive effects on performance.
Creatine Ethyl Ester: Marketed as having improved absorption, this form has not shown substantial advantages over creatine monohydrate in scientific studies.
Buffered Creatine: This form is touted to have fewer side effects such as bloating, but research comparing its effectiveness to creatine monohydrate is limited.
Creatine Supplementation for Athletes
Athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts often turn to creatine supplementation to gain a competitive edge. The benefits extend beyond the immediate performance boost during workouts. Creatine has been shown to aid in muscle recovery, reduce muscle soreness, and increase the overall training volume.
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A meta-analysis published in the "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research" encompassing 22 studies concluded that creatine supplementation had a significant positive effect on strength and power performances (Kreider et al., 2017). This comprehensive analysis further emphasised the safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation.
Does Creatine Increase Testosterone Levels?
There’s a widely accepted view that Creatine can boost testosterone, but is it true? While creatine's impact on physical performance is well-documented, the relationship between creatine supplementation and testosterone levels is a topic of ongoing research.
The existing scientific literature does not provide conclusive evidence that creatine significantly increases testosterone levels.
A study published in the "Journal of Sports Science & Medicine" investigated the hormonal responses to creatine supplementation in male rugby players and found no significant changes in testosterone levels (Magrini et al., 2019). Another study in the "International Journal of Sports Medicine" also reported no significant impact of creatine supplementation on testosterone levels in elite male swimmers (Safdar et al., 2016).
Best Creatine Supplements to Buy Online
When considering creatine supplementation, I have found it to be a little overwhelming with the sheer amount of options, but I have distilled it down the three of the best creatine supplements to buy online in terms of quality and brand reviews.
Optimum Nutrition Micronised Creatine Monohydrate
A popular choice, known for its purity and micronised form, allowing for easy mixing. Optimum Nutrition is one of the most widely used creatine supplements on the market and has possibly the most customer reviews of any creatine product. At $65AUD for a 600g tub, the Optimum Nutrition Creatine is also one of the best value creatine supplement options, working out to be about $0.54c per serving.
This supplement boasts high-quality creatine monohydrate and is unflavoured for versatility in mixing. For athletes, Momentous creatine is fully NSF and Informed Sport certified for banned substances, making safe to use for competitive athletes. The Momentous Creatine is priced at $58USD for a one time purchase or can be bought on a monthly subscription for $49.30USD
Known for its quality and purity, this Thorne Creatine provides a straightforward and effective, flavourless creatine source. This one is about $65AUD for a 454g container, making it reasonably affordable but slightly more expensive than options like Optimum Nutrition and other creatine powders on Amazon. Thorne Creatine is also NSF Sport tested and certified.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Creatine is a compound that helps to increase strength and muscle mass in athletes, by serving as a rapid energy source during high-intensity activities.
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Current scientific evidence does not conclusively support the idea that creatine significantly increases testosterone levels.
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Common types include creatine monohydrate, creatine ethyl ester, and buffered creatine, with creatine monohydrate being the most researched and effective.
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Studies suggest potential positive impacts of creatine on brain and cardiovascular health, including cognitive enhancement and heart protection during ischemic events.
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Research has shown creatine to be safe and effective in enhancing performance, aiding muscle recovery, and increasing training volume for athletes.
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The typical dosage involves a loading phase of 20 grams per day for 5-7 days, followed by a maintenance phase of 3-5 grams per day.
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Some individuals may experience side effects like bloating, cramping, or digestive issues, but creatine is generally considered safe when used as directed.
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Yes, vegetarians and vegans can benefit from creatine supplements, especially since their dietary intake of creatine is usually lower than non-vegetarians.
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It can take several weeks of consistent use for creatine to build up in the muscles and show noticeable effects on strength and performance.
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Creatine is primarily used for muscle gain and improved athletic performance, not directly for weight loss, though it can contribute to a more active and higher intensity workout regimen.
The Verdict on Creatine and Testosterone
In conclusion, while creatine unquestionably offers a myriad of benefits for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, the existing scientific evidence does not support the notion that creatine significantly increases testosterone levels.
Creatine's impact on performance, muscle recovery, and strength, however, remains well-established. As with any supplement, we recommend professional advise before testing out creatine for yourself, although it remains as a relatively safe product to use for most people.
In the ever-evolving landscape of sports nutrition, creatine has been around for a long time, among the most researched supplement out there, for enhancing physical performance and recovery.
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