Evidence supporting the use of: Creatine glutamine
For the health condition: Wasting
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Creatine and glutamine are both amino acid-related supplements that have been studied for their potential to combat muscle wasting—also referred to as cachexia—in various medical conditions. Scientific evidence suggests that creatine supplementation can help increase muscle mass and strength, particularly in patients experiencing muscle wasting due to neuromuscular disorders, immobilization, or chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Multiple randomized controlled trials have shown that creatine can enhance muscle strength and reduce muscle loss in these populations, though effects may vary depending on the underlying disease and the duration of supplementation.
Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body and plays a critical role in protein synthesis and immune function. It has been considered for use in preventing or treating muscle wasting, especially in critically ill patients or those undergoing cancer treatment. While glutamine supplementation is sometimes used in clinical practice to support nutrition in these populations, the evidence for its efficacy in preventing or reversing muscle wasting is less robust compared to creatine, with mixed results in clinical trials.
Overall, the use of creatine and glutamine—alone or in combination—has some scientific support for the management of muscle wasting, especially for creatine. However, the quality and consistency of evidence varies, and neither supplement is universally recommended as a standard therapy for wasting. Clinical guidelines often suggest considering these supplements as adjuncts rather than primary treatments, and more research is needed to clarify their roles.
Other ingredients used for Wasting
Acetyl L-carnitinealpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
apricot
astragalus
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
colostrum
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
L-leucine
lentinula edodes mycelia
magnesium
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
vitamin B12
whey protein
zinc
2a 17a -dimethyl 17a hydroxy, 5a etiocholan 3-one
2a, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one
Animal Tissue
Arginine Creatine
Albumin
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Algal protein
Arginine alpha-ketoisocaproate
Animal protein
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bone Marrow
BCAA
Codonopsis
Creatine
Chicken
Deer Velvet
Eurycoma Longifolia
Guanidinoacetic acid
glucose
Hydroxymethylbutyrate
HMB Hydroxymethylbutyrate
Isoleucine
Lentinan
Lysine alpha-ketoisocaproate
leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
Lactalbumin
Marine Protein
Phosphocreatine
Other health conditions supported by Creatine glutamine
Athletic and Exercise AidsFatigue
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Muscular Dystrophy
Wasting