Creatine, L-carnitine, and ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation from healthy to diseased skeletal muscle

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:613890. doi: 10.1155/2014/613890. Epub 2014 Aug 28.

Abstract

Myopathies are chronic degenerative pathologies that induce the deterioration of the structure and function of skeletal muscle. So far a definitive therapy has not yet been developed and the main aim of myopathy treatment is to slow the progression of the disease. Current nonpharmacological therapies include rehabilitation, ventilator assistance, and nutritional supplements, all of which aim to delay the onset of the disease and relieve its symptoms. Besides an adequate diet, nutritional supplements could play an important role in the treatment of myopathic patients. Here we review the most recent in vitro and in vivo studies investigating the role supplementation with creatine, L-carnitine, and ω3 PUFAs plays in myopathy treatment. Our results suggest that these dietary supplements could have beneficial effects; nevertheless continued studies are required before they could be recommended as a routine treatment in muscle diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carnitine* / administration & dosage
  • Carnitine* / therapeutic use
  • Creatine* / administration & dosage
  • Creatine* / therapeutic use
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3* / administration & dosage
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Muscular Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Muscular Diseases* / physiopathology

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Creatine
  • Carnitine