The Claim
Creatine supplementation combined with resistance training for 32 weeks or less increases lean tissue mass by a moderate amount (SMD = 0.57) in healthy adults aged 50 and older, but this effect is not sustained beyond 52 weeks of intervention.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
In healthy adults aged 50 and older, taking creatine while doing resistance training for 32 weeks or less leads to a moderate increase in lean tissue mass, but this increase does not remain after 52 weeks of training.
See the scientific wording
Creatine supplementation combined with resistance training for 32 weeks or less increases lean tissue mass by a moderate amount (SMD = 0.57) in healthy adults aged 50 and older, but this effect is not sustained beyond 52 weeks of intervention.
Creatine lets muscle cells store more energy, so they can work harder during strength training. This extra effort puts more stress on the muscles, which causes them to grow bigger and heavier. This effect lasts as long as the training and creatine continue, but stops when they stop because the muscles no longer get the extra energy or stress needed to keep growing.
What the research says
1 studyWhen older adults take creatine and do strength training for up to 8 months, they gain more muscle—but after a year, that extra muscle gain disappears. The study shows this pattern clearly.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.