Creatine for Sarcopenia
Verdict: Published with Warning
Across 4 PubMed studies, the evidence for Creatine in Sarcopenia grades Tier B — preliminary evidence. Effective, but with safety or population caveats.
B 🟡 B Preliminary Evidence Published with Warning
Why this grade7-layer evidence engine
⚖️
Scoring transparency
All scores computed by a 7-layer evidence engine — fully auditableRaw score 0.58
D
C
B
A
S
← counter-evidence / ineffectiveeffective / strong evidence →
Final grade
B · Published with Warning
Confidence
78%
Broadly consistent
Evidence level
E2
Multiple high-quality MAs (≥2 independent, consistent)
▸View the full decision path (audit trail)
- compute_raw_score — 加權公式: L2×0.30 + L3×0.25 + L5×0.25 + L11×0.10 + L1×0.10 = 0.578
- tier_from_score — 依分數區間映射至 tier letter
- apply_hec_rules — 高品質 SR/MA 顯示 positive (3 篇 > 1 negative)
- tier_strict_requirement_check — Tier 條件達標，未降階
- detect_disputes — 偵測到 0 個 hard + 0 個 soft dispute
- decide_status — 依 tier + dispute 結果決定 status
PubMed studies (4)L2 · primary research & systematic reviews
Creatine supplementation for optimization of physical function in the patient at risk of functional disability: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Finding: Creatine improved sit-to-stand performance with a pooled SMD of 0.51 (95% CI 0.01-1.00; P=0.04), though the wide CI nearly crossing zero and a Bayesian posterior probability of only 66.7% indicate a modest, uncertain effect.
View on PubMed Creatine supplementation during resistance training in older adults - a meta-analysis
Finding: Creatine added to resistance training produced significantly greater gains in fat-free mass (P<0.0001), chest-press strength (P=0.004), leg-press strength (P=0.02), and chair-stand performance (P=0.03) versus resistance training plus placebo.
View on PubMed The impact of creatine supplementation associated with resistance training on muscular strength and lean tissue mass in the aged: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Finding: Creatine plus resistance training gave small but significant gains in lower-limb strength (SMD 0.29, 95% CI 0.00-0.57; P=0.05) and lean tissue mass (SMD 0.27, 95% CI 0.02-0.53; P=0.03), but no significant benefit for upper-limb strength overall.
View on PubMed Efficacy of Creatine Supplementation Combined with Resistance Training on Muscle Strength and Muscle Mass in Older Females: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Finding: In older females, creatine plus resistance training significantly improved upper-body strength (SMD 0.35, 95% CI 0.02-0.69; P=0.04) but showed no significant effect on lower-body strength (P=0.18) or on muscle mass.
View on PubMed Regulatory & authoritative positionsL4/L5 · FDA / EMA / NIH ODS / Cochrane / Mayo …
L4a US FDA
Supportive
FDA has no questions source↗
L4b EU EFSA
Supportive
cause and effect relationship has been established source↗
L4c UK NHS
Not addressed
Supplements containing creatine are widely used by athletes to improve performance source↗
L5a NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Supportive
May increase strength, power source↗
L5b Mayo Clinic
Neutral
Creatine might help athletes who need to use short bursts of speed or increased muscle strength, such as sprinters, weightlifters and team sport athletes. Studies show that it's safe for healthy adults to use creatine for a short or long time. When taken by mouth at recommended doses, creatine is likely safe for many people to take for up to five years. source↗
L5c Cleveland Clinic
Cautious
there isn't enough research to say that creatine helps develop muscle growth in people older than 65 source↗
L5d Harvard Health
Cautious
Creatine supplementation along with regular resistance training and a well-balanced diet may offset age-related sarcopenia. The general recommendation for people who do take a creatine supplement is 3 to 5 grams per day. However, people with kidney disease should consult with their doctor prior to taking it. source↗