Creatine-electrolyte supplementation linked to increased power in study on male cyclists

By Adi Menayang

- Last updated on GMT

Getty Images / G Point Studio
Getty Images / G Point Studio
Creatine supplementation is popular for muscle growth, but researchers at Western Washington University suggest it might benefit endurance sports too.

Male recreational cyclists who received creatine and electrolyte supplementation exhibited increased power during a short-duration cycle sprint when researchers measured their performance using a Velotron ergometer, according to a study​ published last week in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

Participants supplemented with the placebo, on the other hand, exhibited no such improvement.

“The increase in peak power output observed in this study is the first time a significant increase in overall and repeated peak power output has been observed during sprint cycling following creatine-electrolyte supplementation,”​ the researchers from Western Washington University wrote in the report.

Study design

Utah-based mineral supplier Albion Laboratories, Inc.​, a subsidiary of Balchem Corporation, funded the study.

The design was randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. Twenty-five male recreational cyclists between the ages of 19-33 were included. They were screened for conditions that could affect creatine absorption or metabolism, such as cardiac, kidney, or liver diseases.

Participants were then divided randomly into two groups given either the supplement or placebo. The supplement contained 4 g of creatine monohydrate combined with electrolytes (114 mg sodium chloride, 171 mg calcium chloride, 286 mg magnesium chloride, and 171 mg sodium chloride) per day.

Baseline data collection was conducted at the beginning of the study. During this time, participants performed five short-duration cycle sprints with two-minute rests between each. Intervention period lasted for six weeks, in which the participants took their daily dose of supplement or placebo, before another cycle test is conducted at the end of the period.

Results

The participants supplemented with creatine and electrolytes showed a 4% increase in overall peak power and a 5% increase in overall mean power from baseline to the end of the study.

Meanwhile, for the placebo group, no differences were observed in overall peak and overall mean power.

The postulated mechanism is that creatine monohydrate supplementation improved peak and mean power output during sprint cycling, and the electrolytes further improve creatine and the ergogenic effect.

“With regards to creatine-electrolyte supplementation and repeated sprint cycling performance…previous researchers have not reported significant pre- to post-supplementation increases in peak power output, and have reported mixed results with respect to changes in mean power output,” ​they wrote.

But with the present study, the researchers argued it to be the first time “a significant increase in overall and repeated peak power output has been observed during sprint cycling following creatine-electrolyte supplementation.”

Source:Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
Published online, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0226-y
Creatine-electrolyte supplementation improves repeated sprint cycling performance: A double blind randomized control study
Authors: Daniel L. Crisafulli, et al.

Join us for our FREE online conference on Active Nutrition

GettyImages-622324774

Wednesday, May 23, 2018 @ 11:30 AM Eastern

Active Nutrition​ is a hot topic, but many don’t understand how it differs from Sports Nutrition​. According to Euromonitor International, Active Nutrition is defined as, “a lifestyle choice with the primary objective of optimizing both physical and mental performance”.

Consumers therefore span the lifestages, from kids and adolescents, to healthy adults and into seniors. The products are formulated and positioned to support consumers of all ages leading a healthy lifestyle which incorporates physical exercise​.

In this online conference, NutraIngredients-USA will assemble thought leaders and stakeholders​, from market research specialists, brand owners, and industry experts to give you the must-have information for this area of immense opportunity​.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Stay one step ahead in the collagen market

Stay one step ahead in the collagen market

Content provided by Bioiberica | 26-Feb-2024 | White Paper

It's no secret that interest in collagen is at an all-time high – especially for joint health. This presents a real opportunity for manufacturers...

Dynamic Duo - More Power, Less Fatigue

Dynamic Duo - More Power, Less Fatigue

Content provided by Enovate Biolife LLC | 23-Jan-2024 | White Paper

Better physical performance & vitality have deep connections to muscular as well as cardio-respiratory health.

Boost Your Sports Nutrition Solution with Peptan

Boost Your Sports Nutrition Solution with Peptan

Content provided by Rousselot | 13-Nov-2023 | White Paper

Athletes are prioritizing their well-being and seeking nutritional solutions to optimize recovery, making it an indispensable aspect of their performance.

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars