Combined creatine and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate supplementation with integral conditioning exercise enhances functional performance and metabolic health in physically active older adults: A randomized controlled crossover trial.

Plain-language summary

This study set out to see if combining creatine (a compound stored in muscle that helps regenerate quick energy) and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB, a muscle-preserving supplement) with exercise could improve mobility and metabolic health in older adults. Thirty physically active adults aged 60 and older completed a six-week program of strength, endurance, and coordination training, taking either the supplement combo or a placebo, with a three-week break in between. The study found that the creatine and HMB combo improved walking speed, sit-to-stand ability, and overall mobility, while also boosting metabolic rate and reducing visceral fat (fat packed deep around the organs). The results suggest this approach may help older adults maintain independence and metabolic health.

Key findings

• Creatine and HMB improved gait speed, sit-to-stand ability, and 400-meter walk performance.
• Basal metabolic rate and metabolic rate index increased with supplementation.
• Visceral adiposity showed favorable trends.
• Women saw reductions in diastolic blood pressure and improved expiratory strength.
• Men had a transient rise in endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR).