Intervention
Creatine monohydrate
Research Observatory
Evidence Update
Current evidence
Creatine monohydrate added to resistance training and walking was compared with placebo plus the same exercise in postmenopausal women. The larger two-year creatine-plus-training trial did not confirm the smaller study's femoral-neck bone-density benefit. Secondary bone-geometry and walking findings under creatine plus training do not demonstrate fracture prevention.
What changed
The larger two-year trial did not confirm a BMD benefit; secondary geometry and walking signals remain bounded.
What did not change
Fracture prevention and universal creatine ineffectiveness are both unestablished.
Why it matters
Avoids mistaking bone geometry or completer lean mass for a clinical skeletal benefit.
Main limitation
Not identical duration or sample; supplement adherence around 56–60% in larger trial. Nonsignificance does not prove equivalence or refute all creatine uses. No independent replication or fracture endpoint; completer-only lean-mass result has selection limitations.
Next proof
Confirm bone-specific benefit under adequate adherence and fracture-relevant endpoints. Replicate prespecified functional and skeletal clinical endpoints.
Summary
Creatine monohydrate added to resistance training and walking was compared with placebo plus the same exercise in postmenopausal women. The larger two-year creatine-plus-training trial did not confirm the smaller study's femoral-neck bone-density benefit. Secondary bone-geometry and walking findings under creatine plus training do not demonstrate fracture prevention.
Intelligence Take
Avoids mistaking bone geometry or completer lean mass for a clinical skeletal benefit.
Limitations
Not identical duration or sample; supplement adherence around 56–60% in larger trial. Nonsignificance does not prove equivalence or refute all creatine uses. No independent replication or fracture endpoint; completer-only lean-mass result has selection limitations.