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== Effect of creatine supplementation during cast-induced immobilization on the preservation of muscle mass, strength, and endurance == This study looked at how creatine supplementation can benefit patients with immobilized upper limbs. Often patients with immmobilized limbs experience significant atrophy and decreases in range of motion. The results showed improved performance independent of exercise. Creatine supplements were shown to preserve lean tissue mass, strength, and endurance, minimizing muscle atrophy in patients with immobilized upper limbs.


 * 1) This study examined a novel use of creatine supplements and its potential health effects
 * 2) The study used a single blind, cross-over design.
 * 3) The sample population was small (n=7) and limited to middle aged men.
 * 4) This article supports the positive side of the controversy, supporting that creatine supplementation has positive uses - not only for building muscle in athletes.

== Muscle creatine loading in men == This study looked at the processing of creatine in the body, specifically looking at the concentrations of creatine at various stages of metabolism and excretion. A loading protocol was used to administer the creatine. The results showed increased muscle creatine concentrations. In the absence of creatine supplementation, creatine concentrations dropped. Urinary excretion of creatine increased for creatine users. Further, initial increases in mass were attributed to greater water retention based on the fact that urinary output decreased during the initial loading phase.


 * 1) The study looks at how creatine supplements affect body concentrations of creatine and kidney excretion rates of creatine
 * 2) The study used blind male subjects and tracked them over the course of 2 years. The sample size was 31.
 * 3) The sample was only middle aged men and also did not isolate variables such as exercise.
 * 4) This article supports the positive side of the controversy, supporting that creatine supplementation is safe to use and does not significantly affect physiology.

== Carbohydrate ingestion augments skeletal muscle creatine accumulation during creatine supplementation in humans == This study looked at how varying supplementation protocol can affect creatine concentrations in muscle, specifically how ingesting 93 g of carbohydrates after 5 g creatine might increase creatine concentrations in muscle more rapidly. The results showed a 60% increase in muscle concentrations of creatine and also decreased creatine secretion for the creatine and carbohydrate group compared with the creatine only group. Taking creatine and carbohydrates together raised insulin levels, suggesting that insulin may be mediating the increased uptake of creatine.


 * 1) The study looked at different creatine supplementation protocol which is relevant to creatine use.
 * 2) The study was randomized and double blind and controlled for diet prior to experiment.
 * 3) The sample was only middle aged men with similar body weights.
 * 4) This article supports the positive side of the controversy, supporting that creatine supplementation can be augmented with carbohydrates.

== Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance == This was a review of the literature for the general public on a variety of dietary supplements for exercise and performance. The article outlines the functions of creatine in the body, natural sources, supplementation protocol, health effects (negative and positive).


 * 1) The review specifically discussed the health effects and supplementation protocol of creatine.
 * 2) The review contained a variety of sources and discussed a variety of relevant topic for both professionals and the layman audience.
 * 3) The review does not discuss all recorded side effects of taking creatine or how certain medication combinations should be avoided.
 * 4) The review seems to offer a positive view of creatine.

== Psychosocial predictors of nutritional supplement use among leisure time exercisers == This study examines the adverse behavioral effects of nutritional supplement advertising. Based on a theory of social physique anxiety, subjects feel the need to meet certain societal norms or expectations such as body weight and muscle mass through various activities, specifically supplement use. There is evidence that continued promotion of dietary supplements will adversely affect people's exercise and dietary behaviors. The study included 212 participating adults who were using gyms at the time, ages 18 to 53 years old. Questionnaires were given and subjects reported on different nutritional supplements and also the Social Physique Anxiety Scale. In short exercise users who take supplements are more likely to care a lot about their physique.


 * 1) This study examined psychosocial dimensions of dietary supplements in general and how they affect people's view of the physique in society.
 * 2) The study examined a large sample size and made surveyed a variety of relevant questions, including the standardized Social Physique Anxiety Scale.
 * 3) The sample population was adults who attend the gym. As a result, the data may be especially biased and generalized conclusions and predictions cannot be made. Data is self-reported, meaning it's not as reliable.
 * 4) This supports the negative side of the controversy, suggesting that supplements use is often linked to a poorer view of an individual's own physique.

== Creatine Supplementation and Lower Limb Strength Performance: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses == This meta-analysis summarized the literature on the effects of creatine supplements on lower limb strength. Because creatine is the most popular supplement for increasing muscle strength, the study wanted to clear up any misconceptions or poorly conducted studies related to creatine supplementation and its effects. The findings of the study confirm that creatine can increase muscle performance of the lower limb and that the effectiveness of creatine supplementation is independent of population characteristics, although less active individuals experience a larger increase in muscle strength than already active individuals after creatine supplementation routine.


 * 1) The meta-analyses takes an objective view of creatine supplementation and surveys the literature for general findings.
 * 2) The article examined 60 studies from the literature for a total of 646 creatine taking subjects and 651 control subjects. The study was very objective.
 * 3) The meta-analyses only looked at how creatine increases muscle strength, not touching on the other major health effects of creatine.
 * 4) This article supports that creatine can increase muscle performance, specifically in the lower limb for exercise durations less than 3 minutes. However, creatine is not reported to increase aerobic activity performance.

== International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: creatine supplementation and exercise == This literature review examines findings from a variety of studies on the effects of creatine supplementation. Creatine supplementation is deemed safe based on a recommended dosage. Detrimental side effects of supplementation such as renal distress and dehydration are not supported in the literature. The review summarizes general dosage procedure, creatine increases in muscle, different creatine formulations such as carbohydrate-rich drinks, medical safety, use in children and adolescents, the ethics of creatine usage. Specifically, the review concluded that creatine supplementation is "safe, effective, and ethical."

strengths: the article reviewed a 100 peer reviewed articles relating to a variety of topics surrounding creatine supplementation such as its health benefits and detriments, dosage, secondary effects.

weaknesses: At least one of the reviewers has published articles supporting the claims discussed in the review. Further, the article did not discuss opposing findings at length.

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