MDPI
The following research study ‘Six-Week Supplementation with Creatine in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): A Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Feasibility Study at 3 Tesla' appears to show that a creatine supplement might help reduce fatigue and improve cognitive function, however, the study has some limitations. Further studies would be needed before any firm conclusions can be made.
Abstract
Background
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic medical condition with no specific pharmacological treatment. Creatine, a nutrient essential for maintaining energy homeostasis in the cells, is a candidate for interventions in ME/CFS.
Methods
Fourteen participants with ME/CFS received supplementation with 16 g creatine monohydrate for 6 weeks. Before starting creatine and on the last day of treatment, participants underwent brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) scanning of the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pgACC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), followed by symptom, cognition, and hand-grip strength assessments.
Results
Eleven participants completed the study. Creatine treatment increased creatine concentration in both the pgACC and DLPFC (p = 0.004 and 0.012, respectively), decreased fatigue and reaction time (RT) on congruent and incongruent trials of the Stroop test (p = 0.036 and 0.014, respectively), and increased hand-grip strength (p = 0.0004). There was a positive correlation between increases in pgACC creatine and changes in RT on Stroop congruent and incongruent trials (p = 0.048 and p = 0.022, respectively). Creatine was well tolerated, and none of the participants stopped treatment.
Conclusion
Creatine supplementation over six weeks in ME/CFS patients increased brain creatine and improved fatigue and some aspects of cognition. Despite its methodological limitations, this study encourages placebo-controlled investigations of creatine treatment in ME/CFS.
MEA Comment
Please note that this information comes from an assessment that involved a very small number of people (14) over a six week period and it was not a placebo controlled clinical trial.
So, while these results are interesting they cannot be used to recommend that people with ME/CFS should now start taking a creatine supplement.
If you are (or have been) taking a creatine supplement please let us know whether you felt it had any beneficial effect. Email: feedback@meassociation.org.uk
Dr Charles Shepherd
Dr Charles Shepherd,
Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser to the ME Association,
Member of the 2018-2021 NICE guideline on ME/CFS committee,
Member of the 2002 Chief Medical Officer's Working Group on ME/CFS
More Information
- ME Biobank Research: Evidence of Clinical Pathology Abnormalities in People with ME/CFS | 12 April 2019
- Leaflet: Muscle Energy Supplements
