Creatine monohydrate supplementation: one tool in the toolbox for treating sarcopenia

Sarcopenia, characterized by age-related reductions in muscle performance (primarily maximal strength), muscle quality, lean mass and functional ability, is a growing global health concern. This paper explores the potential of creatine monohydrate supplementation (CrM) as a safe and therapeutic strategy for the treatment of sarcopenia. Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses have demonstrated the efficacy of CrM, particularly when combined with resistance exercise, for improving key aspects of muscle health (i.e., whole-body lean mass, limb muscle thickness and density, muscle strength and functional ability) in older adult populations. However, the effects of CrM in older adults diagnosed with sarcopenia is relatively unknown. Although CrM is promising, emphasis is placed on its role as part of a comprehensive approach in the treatment of sarcopenia, which includes adequate protein and vitamin D replacement/supplementation when necessary and structured resistance exercise.