Breaking Research For 11-3-2000

University of Kentucky study shows that use of creatine supplements could help the brain recover from concussions and other injuries commonly suffered by professional and amateur athletes.

The study was published in the November issue of Annals of Neurology. "We believe this is a highly significant finding in the field of neurotrauma," said Professor Stephen Scheff Ph.D., of the College of Medicine's department of anatomy and neurobiology. "We know of nothing to date that has shown this type of benefit in preventing serious neurotrauma."

300,000 athletes in North America suffer brain injuries each year. In Scheff's research study brain damage was reduced 21 percent when creatine was given to mice three days before injury and 36 percent when given five days ahead of time. In rats fed a diet supplemented with creatine for up to four weeks before injury, brain damage was reduced 50 percent, compared with rats fed a regular diet.

"Our data show that creatine supplementation protects against secondary damage associated with TBI by inhibiting the calcium-induced activation of a protein in the mitochondrial membrane, which preserves proper function of the mitochondria. The damage also is reduced because creatine acts to maintain appropriate amounts of ATP in brain cells," Scheff said.

Many athletes already use creatine as a way to increase muscle strength and size as well as recovery between bursts of activity. It appears they are inadvertently adding a significant measure of protection from the impacts involved in contact sports.

Dr. M. Flint Beal, chairman of the department of neurology and neuroscience at Cornell University's Weill Medical College, said further study may prove that creatine could be helpful in treating other neurological disorders as well. "But human clinical trials are absolutely critical in determining whether creatine or any other drug or hormone therapy would be effective in treating human subjects with such disorders or traumas," he said.

Scheff said more research will need to be done to determine the exact benefit to humans, including a specific dosage to maximize the benefit.

"But I will tell you that I start taking creatine before I go skiing," he said.

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