Creatine Supplementation May Attenuate the Decrement in Exercise Performance during Low Carbohydrate Diets in Recreationally Trained Individuals

Abstract

Introduction: Low carbohydrate (L-CHO) diets may be an effective means for weight loss; however, these L-CHO diets often result in decreases in exercise performance during high-intensity, interval exercise test (HIIET). Methods:  Nineteen, healthy, recreationally active adults participated in this study. Subjects were assigned to one of three groups: control (CON), L-CHO diet w/ placebo (L-CHO), or L-CHO diet w/ creatine supplementation (L-CHO+Cr). Subjects performed HIIET to fatigue at 90% peak power output (PPO) with a 1:1 work-to-recovery ratio of 30 s. Dietary intervention consisted of <30% total intake of carbohydrates, while creatine supplementation consisted of a standard loading dose (20 g/day) or placebo (5 g/day). Results: There was no statistically significant difference in HIIET performance (# of intervals completed) in the L-CHO+Cr group (Pre-: 28.9 ± 18.6; Post-: 32.4 ± 18.3, p > 0.05). When expressed as a % change from pre-dietary intervention, L-CHO resulted in the greatest decrease in HIIET performance (L-CHO: -35 ± 14; CON: 12 ± 10; L-CHO+Cr: 31 ± 11 % change from pre-, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The addition of a standard loading dose of creatine during a L-CHO diet may help to attenuate the decrement in HIIET performance.