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

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 + RT, n = 13); 2) Placebo and resistance training (PL + RT, n = 14). While engaged in a 12-week RT program, participants from CR + RT group received 5 g/day of CR monohydrate and participants from PL + 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 C-reactive 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 + 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.

Keywords: Creatine; exercise; inflammation; older adults.