Creatine Supplementation: A Promising Strategy for Enhancing Muscle, Bone, and Cognitive Health in Older Adults
Date
2-18-2025
Faculty Mentor
Majid Koozehchian, Kinesiology; Gina Mabrey, Kinesiology
Files
Submission Type
Article
Location
2:00-2:10 pm | Houston Cole Library, 11th Floor
Description
Please note: no video is available for this presentation.
Aging results in diminished physical strength, reduced bone density, and impaired cognitive function, substantially compromising the quality of life in older adults. Creatine supplementation, often paired with resistance training, is gaining interest as a possible solution to these issues due to its potential ability to enhance physical and cognitive functions. Research indicates that combining creatine supplementation with resistance training significantly increases muscle strength and hypertrophy. Studies, including meta-analyses, suggest that this combination leads to an approximate 1.4 kg increase in lean mass. Such improvements can enhance functional tasks like climbing stairs, standing up from a chair, and maintaining balance. These enhancements can improve physical performance and may reduce the likelihood of falls and related injuries, which are major concerns for older adults. Creatine supplementation has accelerated recovery after exercise, enabling older individuals to maintain consistent training routines with reduced fatigue and strain.
New evidence also suggests that creatine may support cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and mental processing speed. Some studies show that creatine enhances energy metabolism in the brain, potentially counteracting age-related cognitive decline. However, these findings remain in the early stages, and further clinical trials are needed to determine the extent of these benefits and establish optimal dosing for cognitive enhancement.
The effects of creatine on bone health remain less clear. While some research suggests potential benefits when creatine is combined with weight-bearing exercises, the evidence is inconsistent. Most studies focus on short-term outcomes, leaving questions about its long-term effects unanswered. The mechanisms in which creatine may influence bone density are not yet fully understood, complicating the understanding of existing findings. This research gap indicates the need for additional comprehensive investigations to explore the relationship between creatine supplementation and bone health. Current evidence supports creatine supplementation as a promising approach for improving physical and mental health in older adults, particularly when combined with resistance training. For older individuals aiming to maintain mobility, reduce the risk of falls, and support cognitive function, creatine supplementation presents an accessible and practical solution. Healthcare professionals and fitness experts should consider incorporating creatine into fitness programs for older adults while monitoring its effects and adjusting regimens based on individual needs and responses.
With additional research to clarify its effects on bone health and determine appropriate dosing protocols, creatine supplementation may significantly contribute to healthy aging and improve the quality of life for older adults.
Keywords
student research, kinesiology
Rights
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Disciplines
Kinesiology
Recommended Citation
Dingler, Carter, "Creatine Supplementation: A Promising Strategy for Enhancing Muscle, Bone, and Cognitive Health in Older Adults" (2025). JSU Student Symposium 2025. 69.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/ce_jsustudentsymp_2025/69
