Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Renal Function

Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Renal Function in Sedentary Healthy Males Urdergoing Aerobic Training: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Creatine (CR) supplementation is commonly used by athletes. However, its effects on renal function remain controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of creatine supplementation on renal function and oxidative stress in healthy sedentary males (18-35 years old) submitted to exercise training. Our hipothesis is that creatine supplementation does not affect renal function in this population.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Renal Insufficiency
• Intervention / Treatment: Drug: creatine supplementation; Behavioral: aerobic exercise training

Detailed Description

Creatine (CR) supplementation is commonly used by athletes. However, its effects on renal function remain controversial. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of creatine supplementation on renal function and oxidative stress in healthy sedentary males (18-35 years old) submitted to exercise training. Methods: Subjects (n = 18) were randomly divided in two groups and were allocated to receive treatment with either creatine (CR) (~10g • day-1 over three months) or placebo (PL) (dextrose). All subjects undertook moderate intensity aerobic training, in three 40-minute sessions per week, during 3 months. Serum creatinine, TBARS, serum and urinary sodium and potassium were determined at baseline and at the study endpoint. Furthermore, cystatin C was also assessed prior to training (PRE), after 4 (POST 4) and 12 weeks (POST 12). Results: There were decreased in both oxidative stress (evaluated by TBARS - µM/24 h) (PRE CR: 8.2  4.4; PL: 6.4  0.8 vs. POST 12 CR: 2.5  1.8; PL: 2.1  1.6, p=0.0001) and cystatin C levels (mg/L) (PRE CR:0.82  0.09; PL: 0.88  0.07 vs. POST 12 CR: 0.71  0.06; PL: 0.75  0.09, p=0.0001) over the time, suggesting an increase in glomerular filtration rate. There were no significant differences between groups in other renal parameters investigated. Conclusions: These data indicate that high-dose creatine supplementation throughout three months does not provoke renal dysfunction in sedentary healthy males urdergoing aerobic training. Moreover, our results suggest that moderate aerobic training per se could improve renal function.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 18
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Brazil
  • Sao Paulo, Brazil, 55 11
    • University of Sao Paulo

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years to 35 years (Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Genders Eligible for Study: Male

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Sedentary healthy males,
• Euthrofic,
• Age beteween 18-35 y

Exclusion Criteria:

• Food supplement users,
• Pre-existing renal dysfunction,
• Pre-existing cardioavascular disease,
• Subjetcs physically active or athletes,
• Obesity,
• Drugs users

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Prevention
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Double

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Sao Paulo
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Bruno Gualano, ms, University of Sao Paulo

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start: January 1, 2004
• Study Completion (Actual): January 1, 2007

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: April 23, 2007
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 23, 2007
• First Posted (Estimate): April 24, 2007

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimate): April 24, 2007
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 23, 2007
• Last Verified: April 1, 2007

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Kidney Diseases; Urologic Diseases; Renal Insufficiency
• Other Study ID Numbers: EEFEUSP-021284