Exploring Creatine Supplementation: Enhancing Physical and Cognitive Health in Older Adults

As we age, physiological changes such as reduced muscle mass and strength, along with cognitive decline, become prevalent. Creatine, a naturally occurring compound found in the body and dietary sources, has gained interest for its ability to improve energy metabolism in skeletal muscle and the brain through dietary supplementation. We expect authors to provide robust evidence from randomized controlled trials evaluating the potential of creatine monohydrate as a non-pharmacological intervention to help prevent sarcopenia and promote healthy aging.

Therefore, this Research Topic welcomes submissions that will address and assess the contribution of creatine to enhanced muscle strength and functional capacity. Additionally, we welcome studies that examine creatine's impact on muscle recovery and its potential role in enhancing resistance exercise performance (e.g., cluster training, high-speed resistance exercise) for an active lifestyle in older adults. On the cognitive level, we anticipate new research that assesses the features, protocols, and dosages of creatine supplementation for neuroprotective effects. Submissions on the role of creatine in cognitive function are encouraged, with a desired discussion on its impact on the brain's energy metabolism to understand how it can help preserve cognitive functionality among the elderly. This Research Topic will therefore include studies that explore the mechanisms by which creatine supplementation may counteract age-related declines in physical performance and cognitive function.

As the global population ages, enhancing the health and well-being of older adults has become a pressing concern, leading to increased research on effective interventions. One promising area of study is creatine supplementation—traditionally associated with athletic performance—which is now being explored for its potential physical and cognitive benefits among older individuals. This Research Topic aims to compile the latest research and insights on how creatine can support aging populations.

Themes of interest include but are not limited to:
• The impacts of creatine on muscle strength and recovery in older adults
• Creatine's role in resistance exercise performance, including methods like cluster training and high-speed resistance exercise
• Neuroprotective effects of creatine and its influence on brain energy metabolism
• Optimal protocols, dosages, and administration strategies for creatine supplementation in elderly populations
• Interactions between creatine supplementation and other dietary or non-pharmacological interventions
• This exploration will not only shine a light on current successful practices but also guide future research directions to fill critical gaps in our understanding of creatine's role in aging.

Keywords: Creatine Aging, Sarcopenia Prevention, Cognitive Creatine, Muscle Recovery, Elderly Strength, Brain Metabolism, Resistance Training, Creatine Dosage, Neuroprotective Creatine, Aging Interventions.

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.