Pitsiladis, Y. P., Georgiades, E., Minnion, R. H., Kingsmore, D., & Kilduff, L. P. (2003). Effects of creatine supplementation on exercise performance in the heat in endurance-trained humans. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 165.

The effects of creatine supplementation on exercise tolerance, heart rate, blood lactate, and core temperature in the heat were examined. Endurance-trained males (N = 21) were assigned to creatine or placebo groups. Ss performed two exhausting constant-load tests (63% VO2max) in the heat (30^oC) before and after five days of creatine supplementation or placebo.

Creatine supplementation increased total body water and intracellular fluid. Core temperature at exhaustion was lower. Lactate was unchanged. Exercise time was longer, particularly in Ss who were "responders" (those who showed marked responsiveness) to creatine.

Implication. Creatine supplementation reduced thermoregulatory and cardiovascular responses in the heat and increased performance, but only in Ss who responded markedly to creatine supplementation.

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