Wilder, N., Deivert, R. G., Hagerman, F., & Gilders, R. (2001). The effects of low-dose creatine supplementation versus creatine loading in collegiate football players. Journal of Athletic Training, 36, 124-129.

Male collegiate football players (N = 25), engaged in off-season strength training, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1) creatine supplementation of 3 g/d; 2) creatine supplementation of 20 g/d for seven days, followed by creatine supplementation of 5 g/d for the remainder of the study; and 3) a placebo group. The investigation lasted 10 weeks.

Neither creatine supplementation protocol had any effects on strength, urinary creatinine concentration, or percentage of body fat. Significant effects were observed for 1 RM squat and fat-free body mass in all groups. Those effects were attributable to the strength training experience.

Implication. Creatine supplementation does not have any beneficial ergogenic effects in highly trained college football players.

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