Dietary Creatine and Cancer Risk: Summary
- The study used data from the 2017–2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to examine the relationship between dietary creatine intake and cancer risk.
- Data from 7,344 NHANES respondents were analyzed.
- Cancer-free individuals consumed more creatine per day than those with cancer.
- Lower dietary creatine intake was associated with increased cancer risk.
- Consuming more dietary creatine may reduce cancer risk in U.S. adults aged 20 years and over.
Creatine Supplementation and Its Natural Occurrence
Creatine, a naturally occurring compound found in small amounts in certain foods and synthesized in the body, has long been the subject of scientific inquiry. With its roots in sports nutrition, creatine has been extensively researched for its potential benefits on muscle strength, exercise performance, and recovery.(Demant & Rhodes, 1999) However, recent studies have expanded the scope of creatine supplementation research, delving into its potential benefits for cognitive health, depression, and its association with cancer risk.
A recent study, “Dietary Creatine and cancer risk in the U.S. Population NHANES 2017 through 2020”, published in the Journal of Functional Foods, sheds light on the intriguing relationship between dietary creatine intake and cancer risk.(Ostojic et al., 2023) This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the study’s findings, contextualized with previous research on creatine.
Incidence of Cancer Rates in the United States
In the United States, cancer remains a significant concern for public health. According to the American Cancer Society, in the year 2020, approximately 1.8 million individuals received a new cancer diagnosis, while cancer-related deaths surpassed 600,000.The most common cancers include breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers. The incidence rates vary based on age, gender, ethnicity, and genetic predisposition.
While advancements in early detection and treatment have improved survival rates for many cancer types, the sheer number of cases underscores the importance of understanding potential risk factors and preventive measures.(Siegel et al., 2020)
Diet, Exercise, and Cancer Rates
The relationship between diet, exercise, and cancer has been a focal point of numerous scientific studies. Diet and exercise are among the few modifiable risk factors individuals can control, potentially influencing their cancer risk.
Dietary Impact: Certain dietary patterns, characterized by high consumption of red and processed meats, sugary beverages, and low intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, have been associated with an increased risk of several cancers. Conversely, diets rich in antioxidants, fiber, and certain phytochemicals can protect against cancer. (Zhang et al., 2015)
Exercise Impact: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of several cancers, including breast, colon, and endometrial. (Moore et al., 2016) Exercise helps regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and improve immune function, all playing roles in cancer prevention. The American Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week for cancer prevention. (Rock et al., 2012)
Incorporating a balanced diet and regular exercise into one’s lifestyle can reduce cancer risk and offer numerous other health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and longevity.
Creatine Supplementation: A Brief Overview
Creatine supplementation involves the consumption of creatine as a dietary supplement. This practice is common among athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to enhance their athletic performance and increase muscle mass. The most prevalent form of creatine used in supplements is creatine monohydrate. It is important for individuals considering creatine supplementation to understand both its benefits and potential risks.
One of the major benefits of creatine supplementation is its ability to improve athletic performance. Research has shown that creatine supplementation can enhance strength, power, and overall exercise capacity, particularly during high-intensity activities such as sprinting or strength training. Creatine functions by increasing the availability of phosphocreatine in the muscles, which plays a key role in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source for muscle contractions.
Creatine is one of the most well-researched dietary supplements in the history of sports nutrition.(Buford et al., 2007) It is synthesized in the body from the amino acids arginine, glycine, and methionine and is primarily stored in muscles. While it’s popularly known for enhancing athletic performance, recent studies have highlighted its potential neuroprotective effects and benefits for cognitive health. Some research even suggests that creatine supplementation might benefit individuals with depression. (Beal, 2011; Rae et al., 2003)
The Link Between Dietary Creatine and Cancer Risk
The link between creatine supplementation and cancer risk, particularly breast cancer, has been debated. Some studies have suggested a potential link between dietary creatine and breast cancer risk, while others have found no association (Zeleznik et al., 2020, 2021). A 2021 study examining the link between circulating amino acids and breast cancer risk found no previous work reporting a link between creatine and breast cancer risk (Zeleznik et al., 2021).
They also noted that their analysis’s observed a link between dietary creatine and breast cancer risk was consistent with the positive association between red meat consumption and breast cancer risk (Zeleznik et al., 2021; Zeleznik et al., 2020). Little is known about the relationship between cancer and creatine; a much larger study was recently published.
The recent study used data from the 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to investigate the relationship between dietary creatine intake and cancer risk in the U.S. population. The NHANES survey is a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population, and the study included 15,560 male and female respondents aged one year and older who provided information on their medical conditions and dietary intake. The study extracted a dataset that included respondents who provided information on their medical conditions and dietary intake. The creatine intake was calculated from meat- and milk-based food sources.
Dietary Creatine Intake is Linked with Reduced Cancer Risk
The findings were startling: a diet higher in dietary creatine was linked/associated with reduced cancer risk. Specifically, individuals who consumed less than 10.5 milligrams of creatine per kilogram of body weight had an 18% greater risk of developing cancer. In contrast, for every additional milligram of dietary creatine per kilogram of body mass consumed daily, the cancer risk is reduced by approximately 0.92%.(Ostojic et al., 2023) However, it is important to note that the difference in creatine intake between cancer-free individuals and those with cancer was relatively small.
Study Results
It is important to consider the limitations of this study. The findings were based on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias. Additionally, the study did not account for other factors that could contribute to cancer risks, such as environmental exposures or lifestyle factors. Therefore, further research is needed to validate the potential benefits of creatine-rich foods in cancer management.
Creatine is naturally found in various foods, especially in animal products. Here’s a list of foods that are high in creatine:
Creatine Sources
Red Meat: Beef and lamb are among the richest sources of dietary creatine. The content can vary based on the cut and how the meat is cooked, but on average, red meat contains about 5 grams of creatine per kilogram.
Poultry: Chicken and turkey also contain creatine, though in slightly lower amounts compared to red meat.
Fish: Certain types of fish, especially herring, salmon, and tuna, are good sources of creatine. For instance, herring can contain up to 6-7 grams of creatine per kilogram.
Pork: Like other meats, pork is a good source of creatine, especially in cuts like pork loin or tenderloin.
Wild Game: Animals like venison or wild boar can also be sources of creatine, though the content can vary based on the animal’s diet and activity level.
Eggs: While not as high in creatine as meats or fish, eggs do contain small amounts of creatine, especially in the yolk.
Dairy Products: Milk and certain cheeses contain modest amounts of creatine.
It’s worth noting that cooking can degrade some of the creatine in foods. Therefore, the actual creatine content can be slightly lower in cooked foods compared to their raw counterparts.
Understanding the Mechanism of Dietary Creatine and Cancer Prevention
While the exact mechanism through which creatine might influence cancer risk remains a topic of ongoing research, some hypotheses have been proposed. Creatine’s role in cellular energy metabolism, particularly in maintaining ATP levels, might play a part in its protective effects against cancer.(Sestili et al., 2011) Additionally, creatine’s antioxidant properties might contribute to reducing oxidative stress, a known factor in cancer development.(Sestili et al., 2009)
The Multifaceted Health Benefits of Creatine Supplements
Creatine monohydrate, commonly known just as creatine, is a popular supplement in the fitness and health community, and for a good reason. Beyond its well-known role in enhancing athletic performance, creatine monohydrate offers a plethora of health benefits that span various physiological domains:
Muscle Health and Athletic Performance: Creatine is renowned for increasing muscle mass, strength, and exercise performance.(Kreider et al., 1996) It achieves this by increasing the phosphocreatine stores in muscles, which supports the production of ATP, a key molecule for cellular energy during short, intense bursts of activity.
Brain Health: Creatine plays a crucial role in brain health and function. It aids in maintaining cellular energy levels in the brain, which can benefit cognitive tasks and neurological health. Some studies suggest that creatine supplementation might help in conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases. (Newman et al., 2023)
Improved Blood Sugar Regulation: Some research indicates that creatine supplementation can improve blood sugar regulation, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.(Gualano et al., 2011) This is believed to be linked to the role of creatine in the function of GLUT4, a transporter molecule that brings blood sugar into muscles.
Bone Health: Preliminary research suggests that creatine might help increase bone density, especially when combined with resistance training. This could be beneficial in conditions like osteoporosis and age-related bone loss.(Chilibeck et al., 2005)
Heart Health: While more research is needed, some studies indicate that creatine might help improve certain cardiovascular functions, especially in those with existing heart problems or risks. (Balestrino, 2021)
In conclusion, creatine monohydrate is not just a muscle booster; it’s a multifunctional compound offering various health benefits. As with any supplement, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a creatine regimen.
Conclusion: Creatine, Nutrition, Diet and Cancer Risk
Creatine is one of the most extensively studied dietary compounds in human nutrition, and numerous studies have evaluated its safety and efficacy in various health domains. Creatine supplementation, known as creatine, is popular in the fitness community. The majority of pharmacovigilance studies have demonstrated its favorable safety profile, with dietary creatine considered risk-free at daily dosages ranging from 1 to 20 grams across all human ages.
The study “Dietary Creatine and cancer risk in the U.S. Population NHANES 2017 through 2020” adds value to understanding dietary factors influencing cancer risk. The study found that higher dietary cancer was linked with lower cancer rates. Although we need more research to fully understand the link between dietary creatine and cancer, the findings emphasize dietary creatine’s potential as a protective factor against cancer.
It’s essential to approach these findings with a balanced perspective, recognizing the multifactorial nature of cancer and the myriad of factors influencing its development. Its too early to say that dietary creatine can reduce the risk of cancer as this is one study, but the link is certainly interesting. However, the study certainly opens the door for further research and discussions on the role of dietary creatine in cancer prevention.
References:
Balestrino, M. (2021). Role of Creatine in the Heart: Health and Disease. Nutrients, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13041215
Beal, M. F. (2011). Neuroprotective effects of creatine. Amino Acids, 40(5), 1305-1313. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-011-0851-0
Buford, T. W., Kreider, R. B., Stout, J. R., Greenwood, M., Campbell, B., Spano, M., Ziegenfuss, T., Lopez, H., Landis, J., & Antonio, J. (2007). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: creatine supplementation and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 4, 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-4-6
Chilibeck, P. D., Chrusch, M. J., Chad, K. E., Shawn Davison, K., & Burke, D. G. (2005). Creatine monohydrate and resistance training increase bone mineral content and density in older men. J Nutr Health Aging, 9(5), 352-353.
Demant, T. W., & Rhodes, E. C. (1999). Effects of creatine supplementation on exercise performance. Sports Med, 28(1), 49-60. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199928010-00005
References:
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Kreider, R. B., Klesges, R., Harmon, K., Grindstaff, P., Ramsey, L., Bullen, D., Wood, L., Li, Y., & Almada, A. (1996). Effects of Ingesting Supplements Designed to Promote Lean Tissue Accretion on Body Composition during Resistance Training. International Journal of Sport Nutrition, 6(3), 234-246. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsn.6.3.234
Moore, S. C., Lee, I. M., Weiderpass, E., Campbell, P. T., Sampson, J. N., Kitahara, C. M., Keadle, S. K., Arem, H., Berrington de Gonzalez, A., Hartge, P., Adami, H. O., Blair, C. K., Borch, K. B., Boyd, E., Check, D. P., Fournier, A., Freedman, N. D., Gunter, M., Johannson, M., . . . Patel, A. V. (2016). Association of Leisure-Time Physical Activity With Risk of 26 Types of Cancer in 1.44 Million Adults. JAMA Intern Med, 176(6), 816-825. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.1548
References:
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Ostojic, S. M., Grasaas, E., & Cvejic, J. (2023). Dietary creatine and cancer risk in the U.S. population: NHANES 2017–2020. Journal of Functional Foods, 108, 105733. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2023.105733
Rae, C., Digney, A., McEwan, S. R., & Bates, T. C. (2003). Oral Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation Improves Brain Performance: A Double–blind, Placebo–controlled, Cross–over Trial. Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2003.2492
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Additional Information
Creatine (CR), a naturally occurring compound in our bodies and certain foods, has become a popular supplement, especially among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. But what do we really know about creatine supplements? Let’s delve into the details.
What is Creatine?
The body produces CR from amino acids, mainly in the pancreas, kidneys, and liver. The body stores CR in skeletal muscles as CR phosphate, which is vital for producing energy during high-intensity, short-duration activities. Beyond the body’s own production, individuals can source creatine from dietary foods like seafood and red meat.
Creatine and Health Benefits
Muscle Growth: Studies have demonstrated that creatine boosts the water content within muscle cells, promoting muscle growth.
Enhanced Performance: By replenishing creatine phosphate in muscles, creatine supplements can improve performance in high-intensity activities.
Cognition: Some studies suggest that creatine might benefit cognitive functions, especially in tasks that require short-term memory.
Beneficial for Vegetarians: Vegetarians often have lower creatine levels since they don’t consume meat, a primary source of dietary creatine. Supplementation can be especially beneficial for them.
Side Effects and Considerations
While creatine is generally safe for most people, there are potential side effects:
Kidney Function: There’s a misconception that creatine can harm the kidneys. While most studies have found no adverse effects on kidney function, those with existing kidney problems should consult with health professionals.
Creatinine Levels: Creatine can increase creatinine levels in the blood, a marker for kidney function. However, this is a normal byproduct of creatine use and not an indicator of kidney damage.
Dosage and Use
The recommended dosage varies, but a common approach is a loading phase of 20 grams of creatine daily for 5-7 days, followed by a maintenance phase of 3-5 grams daily. It’s also worth noting that insulin can enhance the uptake of creatine by muscle cells, so some people take it with a carbohydrate source.
Special Considerations for Older Adults and Health Conditions
Older adults might benefit from creatine supplementation, especially concerning cognition and muscle preservation. However, those with heart failure, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder should be cautious and consult with a healthcare professional before starting creatine.
What is dietary creatine and what are its benefits?
Foods such as meat and fish naturally contain dietary creatine, and you can also find it in supplement form. People recognize it for its ability to boost athletic performance, amplify muscle strength and size, enhance brain function, and offer various other health benefits.