Creatine supplementation does not promote additional effects on inflammation and insulin resistance in older adults: A pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Background: A chronic, low-grade inflammation is commonly present in older adults and has been associated with the onset of age-related chronic diseases. Resistance training (RT) and creatine (CR) supplementation emerged as promising strategies to reduce circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CR supplementation combined with RT on markers of inflammation and insulin resistance in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: In a pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, participants were allocated to one of the following groups: 1) Creatine supplementation and resistance training (CR thorn RT, n = 13); 2) Placebo and resistance training (PL thorn RT, n = 14). While engaged in a 12-week RT program, participants from CR thorn RT group received 5 g/day of CR monohydrate and participants from PL thorn RT group received the same dose of maltodextrin. At baseline and at week 12, blood samples were collected for glucose, insulin, adiponectin, leptin, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 and Creactive protein analysis. Results: After 12 weeks of intervention, there were no differences between groups in any of the variables analyzed. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was reduced in both groups (CR thorn RT: -55.66 +/- 48.93 pg/mL, p < 0.01, dz = 1.13; PL + RT: -46.52 +/- 55.21 pg/mL, p < 0.01, dz = 0.84). Conclusion: Resistance training, regardless of CR supplementation, decreased MCP-1 concentration in older adults. (C) 2020 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.