Muscle metabolism and nutrition
Open access
Peer reviewed
Abstract
Abstract
Creatine-based multi-ingredient supplementation may support early resistance-training adaptations; however, its effects on performance outcomes, anabolic–catabolic status, and subjective recovery in resistance-training novices remain unclear. This study examined its effects on physiological, performance, and recovery outcomes when combined with standardized resistance training in male resistance-training novices. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial, 46 male resistance-training novices were allocated to the creatine-based multi-ingredient supplementation group (CR) or placebo group (PL). Forty participants completed the 4-week intervention and were included in the final analysis. Both groups performed the same standardized resistance-training program. Outcomes included body composition, exercise performance, biochemical markers, kidney-function parameters, and fatigue and recovery scores. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and exploratory correlation analyses were performed to assess intervention effects and associations among changes in outcomes. Leg press 1RM improved over time in both groups, with no additional benefit from CR supplementation. Compared with PL, CR showed greater increases in muscle mass and thigh circumference, a more favorable T/C change pattern, stable CK responses, and improved subjective recovery. Kidney-function parameters remained within the normal physiological range in all participants throughout the intervention. Exploratory correlation analyses showed that changes in the T/C ratio were positively associated with changes in subjective recovery scores and leg press 1RM. Four weeks of creatine-based multi-ingredient supplementation combined with standardized resistance training may support early training adaptation in male resistance-training novices by improving recovery-related and anabolic–catabolic responses, but does not provide additional benefits for short-term strength or muscular endurance. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2500114236); prospectively registered on 9 December 2025.
Direct answer
What can I do from this paper page?
Use this page to scan "Creatine-based multi-ingredient supplementation improves recovery and alters anabolic–catabolic responses without augmenting short-term strength gains in male resistance-training novices: A randomized controlled trial" quickly: start with the summary and abstract, then check the authors, source, topics, and related papers. From here, open Scollr to follow Muscle metabolism and nutrition research, save the paper, or map adjacent work.
Research areas
Follow related topics
Citation
BibTeX
@article{Chen2026Creatine,
title = {Creatine-based multi-ingredient supplementation improves recovery and alters anabolic–catabolic responses without augmenting short-term strength gains in male resistance-training novices: A randomized controlled trial},
author = {Qianyu Chen and Xinxin Li and Yuting Tang and 健春 翁 and Jianwei Liu and Xuemei Wang and Xian Guo},
journal = {BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.1186/s13102-026-02191-w},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-026-02191-w}
}FAQ
Using this paper in a discovery workflow
How do I find related work for this paper?
Use the related papers and topic links on this page as starting points. In Scollr, you can also open the paper and build a literature map around its references, citing papers, and related work.
How can I keep up with new Muscle metabolism and nutrition research papers?
Follow Muscle metabolism and nutrition research in Scollr. New papers from the topic flow into a personalized feed, and you can save useful studies to revisit later.
Can I cite this paper from this page?
This page includes a static BibTeX block for Creatine-based multi-ingredient supplementation improves recovery and alters anabolic–catabolic responses without augmenting short-term strength gains in male resistance-training novices: A randomized controlled trial. Always verify the DOI, source, and publication details against the publisher record before submitting a manuscript.
Follow this research in Scollr
Follow the topics and authors behind this paper, save useful studies, and build a literature map when you are ready to go deeper.
Get the app