It is a nutrient with a considerable list of general health benefits. Naturally produced by the body from the amino acids L-arginine, glycine and L-methionine (primarily in the kidneys and liver), creatine is metabolized into phosphocreatine (PCr), being used by the brain, heart and skeletal muscles.
Researchers in Nebraska (USA) conducted a literature review on the benefits of creatine supplementation in disease control and neuroprotective and immunomodulatory action.
The results were published in International Immunopharmacology. They cited several studies that used animal models and observed that oral creatine supplementation promoted neuroprotective effects in several neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injuries, Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases. Among other neurological conditions analyzed extensively, the review study analyzed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of creatine, as well as its possible benefits for the immune system.
Creatine is much more affordable compared to most neuroprotective and immunomodulatory agents. Most of the studies were carried out in rodents, with very positive effects for the control and improvement of neurological diseases, but there is still a lack of studies in humans that evaluate the action of creatine.
Highlights of the review study:
• Creatine increases airway hyperresponsiveness in mice;
• The production of soluble mediators, such as: IL-4, IL-5 and IL-6 (inflammatory markers), is altered by creatine supplementation.
Estudo de revisão: Riesberga LA, et al. Beyond muscles: The untapped potential of creatine. International Immunopharmacology, 2016. Doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2015.12.034
You may also like other articles by the author. Access: How to stop using medicines for hypertension?
