Comparative Effects of Dietary Protein, Creatine, and Omega-3 Supplementation on Muscle Strength, Endurance, and Recovery in Trained Athletes: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 41901084 · doi:10.3390/nu18060909
What was done
The authors conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials identified across MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus. The review assessed the comparative effects of dietary protein, creatine, and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on muscle strength, endurance performance, and recovery outcomes in athletes engaged in structured training for at least six months. Direct and indirect evidence was synthesized using a frequentist random-effects model, and treatments were ranked using Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking curve (SUCRA) probabilities.
What was found
Thirty-five trials enrolling 1,211 participants were included. Creatine supplementation showed superior efficacy for muscle strength (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.63, SUCRA = 82.4%). Protein supplementation was most effective for endurance performance (SMD = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.48, SUCRA = 85.2%). Omega-3 supplementation yielded the greatest benefits for recovery outcomes (SMD = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.62, SUCRA = 88.7%). Network consistency assessment showed no significant disagreement between direct and indirect evidence across all outcomes.
Why it matters
This review shows clear outcome-specific efficacy among common sports supplements, providing evidence to tailor supplementation protocols to specific athletic training goals rather than relying on generalized regimens.
Limits
The abstract does not report supplement dosages, forms, timing, intervention durations, participant sex, or specific athletic disciplines. Detailed operational definitions for endurance and recovery endpoints are also not provided.
Cited by
- context Creatine supplementation decreases markers of muscle damage associated with weight training.