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Beneficial effects of creatine supplementation in dystrophic patients
Author(s) -
Louis Magali,
Lebacq Jean,
Poortmans Jacques R.,
BelpaireDethiou MarieClaude,
Devogelaer JeanPierre,
Van Hecke Paul,
Goubel Francis,
Francaux Marc
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.10355
Subject(s) - creatine , medicine , muscular dystrophy , endocrinology
The effect of creatine (Cr) supplementation on muscle function and body composition of 12 boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and three with Becker dystrophy was evaluated by a randomized double‐blind cross‐over study (3 g Cr or maltodextrin daily for 3 months, with wash‐out period of 2 months). After placebo, no change was observed in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and resistance to fatigue, whereas total joint stiffness (TJS) was increased by ∼25% ( P < 0.05). The patients receiving Cr did not show any change in TJS, improved MVC by 15% ( P = 0.02), and almost doubled their resistance to fatigue ( P < 0.001). In patients still independent of a wheelchair ( n = 5), bone mineral density increased by 3% ( P < 0.05), and urinary excretion of collagen type I cross‐linking N‐telopeptide declined to about one third ( P < 0.001) after Cr. No adverse effect was observed. Thus, Cr may provide some symptomatic benefit in these patients. Muscle Nerve 27: 604–610, 2003