Introducing The Review

As part of The Next Chapter, our dedicated women’s health blog, we strive to empower our readers by bridging the gap between complex scientific research and practical understanding. The Review is our mini-series of literature reviews, where we dive into the science behind creatine supplementation and other relevant postmenopausal health subjects. By breaking down the latest findings from the scientific community, we aim to help our customers make informed decisions about how cheap and effective supplementation can support their health and well-being.

 

“Direct antioxidant properties of creatine”

A 2002 study from Texas A&M University introduced an innovative perspective on creatine, a well-known supplement popular for building muscle strength and mass. Conducted by researchers at the Redox Biology and Cell Signaling Laboratory, this study shifted the focus from creatine’s muscle-building benefits to its potential as an antioxidant—a role previously unexplored. Antioxidants are crucial because they neutralize free radicals, highly reactive molecules that can damage cells, especially as we age. This research was designed to determine whether creatine could directly neutralize harmful oxidants, specifically focusing on types that contribute to oxidative stress. This finding has important implications for postmenopausal women, who face increasing oxidative stress as they age, leading to muscle fatigue, loss, and a heightened risk of age-related diseases.

 

Study Summary

In a series of controlled lab tests, the researchers examined creatine’s impact on several types of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide anions, peroxynitrite, hydrogen peroxide, and lipid peroxides. These ROS contribute to oxidative stress, which accelerates cellular aging and increases the risk of muscle degradation. The study’s results demonstrated that creatine was particularly effective in neutralizing superoxide anions and peroxynitrite—two common and highly reactive types of free radicals. For instance, creatine at a concentration of 40 mM reduced superoxide levels by 68.0 ± 32.5 superoxide dismutase equivalents, a measure of antioxidant strength, compared to only 4 ± 9 in the control group. Creatine also displayed a strong antioxidant scavenging capacity (ASC) in neutralizing the ABTS cation radical, another harmful oxidative agent, with ASC increasing in a dose-dependent manner up to 26.69 ± 2.41 Trolox equivalents at the highest tested concentration of 60 mM.

 

Interestingly, the study found that while creatine was effective against charged free radicals like superoxide anions, it did not significantly impact hydrogen peroxide or lipid peroxidation. This selectivity is noteworthy because it suggests that creatine is particularly suited to neutralize specific types of oxidative stress rather than acting as a general antioxidant. The authors explain that “creatine displayed a significant ability to act as an antioxidant scavenger primarily against radical ions”

 

Why This Study Matters for Older Women

For aging women, the potential antioxidant benefits of creatine are especially relevant. After menopause, women experience increased oxidative stress due to natural aging processes and hormonal changes. This heightened oxidative stress can contribute to muscle loss, fatigue, and various age-related conditions. The study highlights the role of oxidative stress in muscle degradation, noting that “oxidative stress… increases protein degradation”, which can lead to a loss of muscle strength and function. By supplementing with creatine, women may support both muscle health and antioxidant defenses, potentially slowing the impact of aging on their muscles and overall vitality.

Implications for Healthy Aging

The study suggests that creatine could be particularly helpful for those with increased oxidative stress, as it can assist in protecting muscle cells from oxidative damage. Although the study does not specifically focus on postmenopausal women, the results highlight creatine’s potential as a supplementary antioxidant, especially in conditions where oxidative stress is elevated, such as in neuromuscular diseases . For postmenopausal women interested in preserving muscle health and reducing oxidative stress, creatine offers a promising tool within a comprehensive approach to healthy aging.

 

As with any supplement, postmenopausal women should consult healthcare professionals to discuss creatine’s potential benefits and determine if it aligns with their individual health needs. This study lays a strong foundation, indicating that creatine could support antioxidant defenses and muscle health, providing a complementary option for women seeking to maintain their vitality as they age.

 

You can find the study here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11779131/