The effects of creatine and carnitine supplementation on oxidative stress and inflammation in athletes

Introduction: The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of creatine and carnitine supplementation on oxidative stress and inflammation in athletes. Methods: In this single-blind randomized clinical trial 45 sportsmen were studied selected from Velayat Sports Complex (in Shiraz) in this single-blind randomized clinical trial. Then they were randomly divided into four groups supplemented with: a) Creatine, b) Carnitine, c) Creatine and Carnitine and d) placebo for 28 days. Before and after the intervention, blood samples were taken for measurement of oxidative stress (MDA and GSHPx) and inflammation markers. Data were analyzed using SPSS/PC statistical package (version 18). Paired t-test and ANOVA were used to compare mean values of each groups. Results: No statistically significant difference were found between the IL-6 and MDA mean levels of the intervention groups and placebo group (P>0.05). Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was noted in GSHPx mean values before and after supplementation as well as in comparison to placebo group. Conclusion: Based on the defined dose and duration of supplementation in the present study, creatine and carnitine supplementation showed no effects on oxidative stress and inflammation conditions either separately or simultaneously. Furthermore, no negative and side effects were observed.