Does creatine supplementation hinder exercise heat tolerance or hydration status? A systematic review with meta-analyses.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 19295968 · doi:10.4085/1062-6050-44.2.215
What was done
Authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials evaluating the impact of creatine supplementation on exercise heat tolerance and hydration status. Searches were conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Rehabilitation & Physical Medicine without date limitations. Methodological quality was evaluated using the 10-point Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) Scale.
What was found
Ten randomized studies met inclusion criteria, with PEDro quality scores ranging from 7 to 10 out of 10. The abstract reports no quantitative effect sizes, confidence intervals, or numerical outcome measures. It concludes there is no evidence that recommended doses of creatine hinder heat dissipation or negatively affect body fluid balance in athletes exercising in the heat.
Why it matters
This review challenges widespread anecdotal concerns that creatine supplementation promotes dehydration, cramping, or impaired thermoregulation during exertion in hot environments.
Limits
The abstract does not report participant counts, specific pooled metrics, dosing regimens, or specific environmental heat conditions. Findings are restricted to recommended dosing ranges and may not generalize to extreme doses or non-athlete populations.
Cited by
- supports The creatine molecule does not stimulate urination or act as a diuretic.