Conte, M., Percário, S., de Tarso Domingues, S, P., Naufal, A. S., Paraizo, D. A., Vazatta, R., de Souza Gennari, M., & Teixeira, L. F. (2004). Creatine supplementation and oxidative stress: An exploratory analysis. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 36(5), Supplement abstract 2304.

This study assessed the relationship between creatine supplementation and oxidative stress in handball athletes. Male elite athletes under 21-years old (N = 29) were divided into three groups: creatine-supplemented individuals (N = 10); a placebo group (N = 10), and a control group (N = 9). Creatine supplementation was performed in two steps: for the first five days, athletes ingested a daily dose of 20 gm, and for the following 27 days daily doses of 5 gm. All individuals underwent a resistance training program, which began concomitantly with creatine supplementation. At the beginning and end of the study period, blood samples were analyzed. Fitness tests were also performed and included body composition, maximal repetition (RM), and muscular endurance on a bench press.

Only the creatine group showed a significant increase in maximal repetitions. There were no differences between groups in any blood measure or the remaining fitness tests.

Implication. Creatine supplementation promoted a significant increase in muscular strength with no involvement of oxidative mechanisms or any other biochemical changes.

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