Creatine Supplements Show Potential in Easing Long-Covid Symptoms

Creatine supplements have gained popularity in the fitness community for their perceived ability to enhance strength, power, and post-workout recovery. However, recent research has delved into the possibility of these supplements offering relief from certain long-Covid symptoms, particularly fatigue, shedding light on a potentially new application.

So, what exactly are creatine supplements? Creatine is a natural compound found in muscle cells that aids in energy production during intense exercise, making it a favored supplement among gym-goers.

In a study published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition, a team of researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 12 individuals recently diagnosed with long Covid. This robust study design aimed to assess the effectiveness of creatine supplementation.

Participants were divided into two groups, with one receiving a daily creatine supplement and the other a placebo cleverly disguised as inulin, a dietary fiber. Both substances were identical white powders mixed into water, ensuring a double-blind trial where neither participants nor researchers knew who received creatine until the study’s conclusion.

The six-month trial allowed ample time for creatine to potentially exert its effects. Multiple measures were assessed, including self-reported fatigue levels, improvements in various long Covid symptoms, endurance during physical activity (an objective measure of fatigue), and creatine levels in muscle and brain tissues.

While the creatine group did exhibit higher creatine concentrations in tissues after six months, there were no significant differences in fatigue levels between the two groups. However, creatine showed promise in alleviating other long Covid symptoms, such as improvements in loss of smell and taste, breathing difficulties, body aches, headaches, and concentration issues.

It’s important to note that this study represents the first exploration of creatine’s potential in treating long Covid symptoms. Nonetheless, creatine’s known safety profile, minimal side effects, affordability, and ease of use make it an intriguing avenue for further research in the limited treatment landscape for long Covid.