Has anyone taken creatine supplements to improve low muscle mass?

Posted by tillymack @tillymack, Sep 18 8:18am

I'm hoping to hear from others, especially older women with low muscle mass, regarding the outcome of taking creatine supplements. Many thanks for sharing any experience.

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Profile picture for tillymack @tillymack

@peca Due to osteopenia / osteoporosis and scoliosis, plus a very small frame, I have been advised not to lift any more than 30 lbs or risk vertebral fracture. Of course, I've never come close to lifting 30 lbs... my max is 3 lb. weights - maybe that would count as 6 lbs! Thank you!

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@tillymack Well, you do have the 3 pound weights, and there's a never-ending debate in the weight training world about mass vs. volume.... so, you can't lift 30, but I'll bet you could lift 3 ten times! Seriously, not joking. Give it a try! Muscle up, kiddo! 😊

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Profile picture for tillymack @tillymack

My new PCP suggested I research creatine supplement as my muscle mass has decreased almost to the point of sarcopenia. It's great to know 3-4 g can be effective for someone close to my age. I changed to a healthier diet earlier this year and lost 10 lbs, now stabilized at 112. Did your doc suggest a dose or brand for you?

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@tillymack hi, I use Thorne brand one scoop a day, when I’m consistent. A few years back there was a great talk on creatine on NPR. The doctor/researcher said brands that are NSF Certified Sport is what to look for when buying it. More and more research is coming out saying it can help with congitive function, but the final verdict on that isn’t in yet.

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Profile picture for willow5 @willow5

@tillymack hi, I use Thorne brand one scoop a day, when I’m consistent. A few years back there was a great talk on creatine on NPR. The doctor/researcher said brands that are NSF Certified Sport is what to look for when buying it. More and more research is coming out saying it can help with congitive function, but the final verdict on that isn’t in yet.

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@willow5
Oh, I’m 73. Been weight lifting for two years. My osteoporosis scores in my spine put me into the osteopenia range after a year of weight lifting. We don’t go light. Deadlifting is about 50 pounds. Well, someone may consider that light, I don’t. Leg press is 120 pounds, bicep curls with a 30 pound bar. Feels heavy to me!

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Profile picture for kjoed53 @kjoed53

73 year old man here...I occasionally take 5g of powder in a yogurt. I think that's the standard dose. I cleared that with my doctors first. They need to take that into consideration if you have regular blood work, which I do for PMR and SMM.

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@kjoed53 It's good to know you have take creatine powder in something other than a hot liquid. Thanks!

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I've taken creatine for about 6 months and while there are no dramatic results, I have gained some muscle mass, more than I would have without the supplement, and have not lost any.

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Profile picture for capchris70 @capchris70

I've taken creatine for about 6 months and while there are no dramatic results, I have gained some muscle mass, more than I would have without the supplement, and have not lost any.

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@capchris70 That gives me some hope! Thanks so much for letting me know. Can you also let me know, Are you doing weight lifting or other exercises? And how do you take the creatine powder - for instance, coffee or tea?

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I abused my kidneys for years by taking ibuprofen and now I have proteinuria. Creatine consumption isn’t advised.

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I took 2 level teaspoons of creatine as instructed. Got diarrhea. Am 83. Gave whole tub to grandson who is into body building.

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