The Claim
Creatine supplementation for 21 days does not significantly alter lean mass or fat mass in college-aged rugby players, despite causing a significant increase in the DHT:T ratio.
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.
Taking creatine for 21 days does not change lean mass or fat mass in college-aged rugby players, even though it increases the DHT:T hormone ratio.
See the scientific wording
Creatine supplementation does not significantly alter body composition (e.g., lean mass, fat mass) over 21 days in college-aged rugby players, despite inducing a significant increase in the DHT:T ratio, suggesting that acute hormonal changes may not immediately translate to morphological changes.
Creatine raises the level of a more potent male hormone relative to testosterone, but this change does not trigger muscle growth or fat loss in the first three weeks, because the body's tissue-building systems need more time to respond.
What the research says
1 studyEven though creatine made a key male hormone balance shift in young rugby players, their muscle and fat didn’t change over three weeks — so the hormone change didn’t quickly affect their bodies.
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.