The potential therapeutic effects of creatine supplementation on body composition and muscle function in cancer

C M Fairman; K L Kendall; N H Hart; D R Taaffe; D A Galvão; R U Newton

doi:10.1016/j.critrevonc.2018.11.003

The potential therapeutic effects of creatine supplementation on body composition and muscle function in cancer

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2019 Jan:133:46-57. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2018.11.003. Epub 2018 Nov 12.

Authors

C M Fairman¹, K L Kendall², N H Hart³, D R Taaffe⁴, D A Galvão⁵, R U Newton⁴

Affiliations

¹ Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. Electronic address: c.fairman@ecu.edu.au.
² School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
³ Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
⁴ Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
⁵ Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.

PMID: 30661658
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2018.11.003

Abstract

Low muscle mass in individuals with cancer has a profound impact on quality of life and independence and is associated with greater treatment toxicity and poorer prognosis. Exercise interventions are regularly being investigated as a means to ameliorate treatment-related adverse effects, and nutritional/supplementation strategies to augment adaptations to exercise are highly valuable. Creatine (Cr) is a naturally-occurring substance in the human body that plays a critical role in energy provision during muscle contraction. Given the beneficial effects of Cr supplementation on lean body mass, strength, and physical function in a variety of clinical populations, there is therapeutic potential in individuals with cancer at heightened risk for muscle loss. Here, we provide an overview of Cr physiology, summarize the evidence on the use of Cr supplementation in various aging/clinical populations, explore mechanisms of action, and provide perspectives on the potential therapeutic role of Cr in the exercise oncology setting.

Keywords: Body composition; Bone; Cachexia; Muscle; Oncology; Resistance training; Strength.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Body Composition / drug effects*
Creatine / administration & dosage*
Creatine / pharmacology
Dietary Supplements
Exercise / physiology
Humans
Muscle Strength / drug effects
Muscle Strength / physiology
Muscle, Skeletal / drug effects*
Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
Muscular Atrophy / etiology
Muscular Atrophy / prevention & control
Neoplasms / complications
Neoplasms / diet therapy*
Neoplasms / physiopathology
Quality of Life

Substances

Creatine