Creatine Supplementation in Combat Sport Athletes: A Narrative Systematic Review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #creatine #dietary-supplements #muscle-strength #athletes

Creatine Supplementation in Combat Sport Athletes: A Narrative Systematic Review

Ashtary-Larky et al., 2025 | J Diet Suppl | Systematic Review

Citation

Ashtary-Larky Damoon, Candow Darren G, ... Antonio Jose. Creatine Supplementation in Combat Sport Athletes: A Narrative Systematic Review. J Diet Suppl. 2025;22(6):844-869. doi:10.1080/19390211.2025.2539880

Abstract

Creatine is a widely studied ergogenic aid known for its effects on muscle performance and body composition. However, its impact or utility for athletes involved in combat sports, who often aim to reduce body mass to meet a specific weight class, remains unclear. To conduct a narrative systematic review of peer-reviewed published studies that examined the effects of creatine supplementation on body mass, body composition, muscular strength, power, endurance, fatigue, recovery, and cognitive performance in combat sport athletes. A comprehensive search was conducted in multiple public databases up to March 2025. Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies evaluating creatine supplementation in combat sports (eg wrestling, judo, taekwondo, boxing) were included. Outcomes assessed included changes in body mass and body composition, performance metrics, and markers of fatigue and recovery. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Creatine supplementation increased body mass, especially during longer-term interventions (≥6 wk) or when combined with structured resistance training. Creatine supplementation also increased measures of body mass and fat-free mass (FFM). Muscular power and maximal strength outcomes improved significantly after creatine supplementation, particularly in studies utilizing short-duration, high-intensity exercise protocols. Creatine supplementation did not influence measures of sport-specific endurance, recovery or fatigue. No serious adverse effects were reported across studies for creatine supplementation. Creatine supplementation enhances body mass, FFM, muscle strength and power in combat sport athletes. Given its safety and efficacy profile, creatine supplementation remains a promising supplement for supporting some aspects of athletic performance in combat sports.

Key Findings

Given its safety and efficacy profile, creatine supplementation remains a promising supplement for supporting some aspects of athletic performance in combat sports.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition cognitive

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Creatine
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Muscle Strength
  • Athletes
  • Body Composition
  • Athletic Performance
  • Martial Arts
  • Physical Endurance
  • Boxing
  • Wrestling
  • Performance-Enhancing Substances
  • Resistance Training
  • Cognition

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: creatine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09