Creatine is a supplement with high scientific relevance for sports performance. However, the current body of evidence does not indicate that creatine supplementation increases total testosterone, free testosterone and dihydrotestosterone DHT.
What role of creatine supplementation?
Creatine is converted into phosphocreatine regulated by the creatine kinase enzyme in muscle and is used to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Creatine supplementation, however, can increase ATP capacity and energy produced during intense exercise, possibly increasing muscle strength and repetitions may subsequently contribute for muscle performance and hypertrophy over the course of a training period.
Creatine and Testosterone
Supplements are often tested for their effect on hormones, especially if they have anabolic properties. Creatine by helping to regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy transporter in cells, can help perform more repetitions and increase load progression, consequently creating more muscles. This anabolic effect mediated by increased training intensity is indirect.
In addition, in the case of creatine, there is the potential for an indirect effect on testosterone levels. We know that lifting weights causes a short-term increase in testosterone production, and that creatine allows you to lift high weights, so fueling your workout with creatine can theoretically translate into greater testosterone increase indirectly. Although creatine supplementation can improve athletic performance, most studies show that it has no effect on testosterone levels.
referencesBody
Study suggestion:
Creatine – Supplementation in physical exercise
Watch the video on Science Play with Speedboat Jr:
Creatine outside of exercise
Article:
Creatine and Testosterone
– Antonio J, Candow DG, Forbes SC, Gualano B, Jagim AR, Rb Kreider, Rawson ES, Smith-Ryan AE, VanDusseldorp TA, Willoughby DS, Ziegenfuss TN. Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show? J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021 Feb 8;18(1):13. Doi: 10.1186/s12970-021-00412-w. PMID: 33557850; PMCID: PMC7871530.
