The effect of creatine supplementation on blood pressure, plasma creatine kinase, and body composition

Anecdotal reports have suggested that creatine supplementation may elevate blood pressure and plasma creatine kinase [CK]. We examined the effects of creatine monohydrate (CR; 20g/d x 5d) and placebo (PL) upon blood pressure (Finapres), plasma [CK], and lean body mass (DEXA). Healthy young females and males (n=30) completed the study in a randomized, double-blind fashion. In addition, an ischaemic handgrip MVC protocol was performed and blood samples were collected at rest and following exercise. There were no treatment effects upon systolic, diastolic, or mean blood pressure. Both total body mass (TBM) and lean body mass (LBM) were increased for the CR vs. PL group (p< .05) with no changes in body fat. Mass changes were greater in males vs. females. Neither resting plasma [CK] nor post-exercise plasma [lactate] were affected by treatment. We concluded that creatine supplementation did not elevate resting blood pressure nor plasma [CK], but increased LBM. Additionally, creatine induced increases in LBM appeared to be greater for males as compared to females.