The Claim

In young, healthy men aged 18–25, daily supplementation with 20 grams of creatine monohydrate during one week of upper-limb immobilization attenuates the loss of lean tissue mass by approximately 4.6 percentage points compared to placebo.

Source: Effect of Creatine Supplementation During Cast-Induced Immobilization on the Preservation of Muscle Mass, Strength, and Endurance

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
57score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In young healthy men aged 18–25, taking 20 grams of creatine monohydrate daily for one week during arm immobilization reduces the loss of muscle mass by about 4.6 percentage points compared to taking a placebo.

See the scientific wording

In young, healthy men aged 18–25, daily supplementation with 20 grams of creatine monohydrate during one week of upper-limb immobilization likely attenuates the loss of lean tissue mass by approximately 4.6 percentage points compared to placebo, preserving muscle mass during short-term disuse.

Why this might work

Creatine fills muscle cells with energy reserves that keep muscles working even when they're not moving. This energy support triggers signals that turn on genes responsible for building muscle proteins, while also helping repair cells that break down during inactivity. Together, these actions stop muscle from shrinking.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Effect of Creatine Supplementation During Cast-Induced Immobilization on the Preservation of Muscle Mass, Strength, and Endurance

    When young men had their arm stuck in a cast for a week, those who took 20 grams of creatine daily actually gained a little muscle, while those who took a placebo lost muscle. Creatine helped prevent about 4.6% more muscle loss than nothing.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.