Creatine is a nutritional supplement that goes beyond the sports context. Research shows that it plays an important role in health of older adults, as it supports muscle strength, bone density, cognitive function and reduces the risk of falls.
Creatine and muscle strength in old age
A systematic review showed that the combination creatine supplementation and exercise increases muscle mass, strength, and physical function in older adults. Pilot studies have confirmed that eight weeks of creatine supplementation increases muscle strength and size even in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Creatine and clinical populations
Creatine is also used in the elderly with various diseases. Creatine supplementation is effective in sarcopenia associated with chronic liver disease, and in preventing inflammation and falls in the elderly.
Creatine and cognitive function
Research shows that creatine is not only important for muscles, but also for the brain. Creatine use in the elderly is associated with improved cognitive functions, which is confirmed in studies on young and elderly people.
Creatine and bone density
Creatine combined with strength training increases bone mineral density in older men. This is key to preventing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of fractures.
The synergy of exercise and creatine
Several meta-analyses confirm that the combination has creatine and strength training synergistic effect on muscle mass, strength and functionality. This means that creatine is most effective when accompanied by regular physical activity.
Conclusion
Creatine is a dietary supplement that can significantly contribute to health of older adults. Supports muscles, bones, cognitive function and reduces the risk of falls. Research confirms that creatine is safe, effective and indispensable for maintaining vitality in old age.
References
-
Sharifian, G. et al. Impact of creatine supplementation and exercise training in older adults. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act 2025, 22, 17.
-
Smith AN et al. Creatine monohydrate supplementation in Alzheimer's disease. Front Nutr 2025, 12:1670641.
-
Candow, D.Get al. Creatine monohydrate supplementation for older adults and clinical populations. JISSN 2025, 22(sup1).
-
Ostojic, S.Met al. Creatine and cellular senescence. Exp Gerontol 2025, 207, 112798.
-
Casciola, R. et al. Creatine Supplementation to Improve Sarcopenia and Chronic Liver Disease. Nutrients 2023, 15, 863.
-
Candow, D.Get al. Effectiveness of Creatine Supplementation on Aging Muscle and Bone. J Clin Med 2019, 8, 488.
-
Choi M. et al. Resistance training and nutritional intervention in older adults. BMC Geriatr 2021, 21(1):639.
-
dos Santos, E.E.Pet al. Creatine supplementation combined with resistance training in older females. Nutrients 2021, 13, 3757.
-
Stares A, Bains M. Additive effects of creatine and exercise training in an aging population. J Geriatr Phys Ther 2020, 43(2):99-112.
-
Rawson ES, Venezia AC. Use of creatine in the elderly and cognitive function. Amino Acids 2011, 40(5):1349-62.
-
Brose A, Parise G, Tarnopolsky MA. Creatine supplementation enhances strength in older adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2003, 58(1):11-19.
-
Chilibeck PD et al. Creatine monohydrate and resistance training increase bone mineral density in older men. J Nutr Health Aging 2005, 9(5):352-3.