Suplementação de creatina entre praticantes de exercícios físicos em academias e sua influência sobre marcadores antioxidantes e de dano ao DNA.

Abstract

Introduction: The increase in gym membership has driven demand for sports supplements, particularly creatine. Scientific evidence shows that, in addition to its ergogenic benefits, creatine has antioxidant properties. However, the relationship between creatine supplementation and DNA damage still needs further investigation. General objective: To review and investigate creatine supplementation among gym-goers, exploring its relationship with demographic and behavioral variables, and to analyze its influence on antioxidant and DNA damage markers. Book Chapter: This chapter sought to identify the role of creatine supplementation as an ergogenic aid, capable of contributing to significant improvements in physical performance and muscle mass gain. In addition, it provided evidence suggesting that creatine supplementation may play an indirect antioxidant role, helping to combat oxidative stress during physical exercise, thus mitigating oxidative damage to cellular structures such as lipids, proteins, and DNA. Manuscript 1: A total of 358 gym users were evaluated and responded to an online questionnaire addressing demographic data, exercise habits, and creatine use. Of these, 48.6% used creatine, with a higher prevalence among females (57.5%; p<0.001), younger individuals (<30 years; 56.3%, p<0.001), and non-smokers (87.0%; p=0.037). Creatine users had a higher frequency of weekly training sessions (64.4%, >4 times per week; p<0.001), sessions lasting up to 60 minutes (60.9%; p=0.001), and motivation focused on muscle mass gain (85.1%; p<0.001). Differences according to gender were observed for the number of weekly sessions (>4 times per week, Women, 56.0% and Men 75.7%; p=0.027), training duration (≤60 minutes, Women, 69.0% and Men 50.0%; p=0.012), reasons for use, such as muscle mass gain (Women, 34.0% and Men 62.0%; p<0.0001), and motivation focused on muscle mass gain (Women, 34.0% and Men 62.0%; p<0.0001), reasons for use, such as muscle mass gain (Women, 34.0% and Men 62.0%; p<0.0001) and muscle recovery (Women, 34.0% and Men 9.5%; p<0.001), and recommendations for use by nutritionists (women, 50.0%, and men, 21.6%; p<0.001) or physical (women, 6.0%, and men, 0.0%; p=0.039). Supplementation also varied according to age group, with significant differences in training duration (<30 years: 54.1%, ≤60 minutes; 30–45 years: 77.0%, ≤60 minutes and >45 years: 60.0%, >60 minutes; p=0.003), reasons such as muscle mass gain (<30 years: 54.1%, 30–45 years: 34.4%, and >45 years: 60.0%; p=0.048) and health (>45 years: 40.0%; p=0.001), in addition to medical recommendation (>45 years: 20.0%; p=0.001). Manuscript 2: In total, 254 gym-goers were evaluated, with a mean age of 35.36 ± 13.60 years and a prevalence of females (65.0%). The prevalence of creatine use was 44.9%, and the individuals were divided into three supplementation groups: non-user (n=140), creatine use alone (n=33), and combined use of creatine with one or more supplements (n=81). Regarding DNA damage markers (damage index and frequency, micronuclei, and nuclear buds), analyses of variance did not indicate significant differences between the supplementation groups (p>0.05). However, adjusted linear regression revealed that participants using combined creatine maintained a significantly lower frequency of cells with micronuclei compared to those using isolated creatine (β=−2.19; p=0.023), even after controlling for covariates. The other associations between the form of supplementation and the other markers of DNA damage did not hold up after adjustment. Finally, for the antioxidant markers TEAC and TBARS, no significant differences were observed between the groups in the analysis of variance or in the linear regression (crude and adjusted), indicating that the form of creatine use did not significantly impact systemic antioxidant status (p>0.05). Creatine Supplementation Guide: The primer addresses the main aspects of creatine supplementation, highlighting its antioxidant benefits, the definition of creatine and its dietary sources, and its mechanism of action in the body. Other beneficial effects are also presented, such as improved muscle and energy performance, and information on safety of use, including recommended doses and supplementation protocols. Final considerations: The works described in this dissertation reinforce the relevance of creatine supplementation in the context of sports nutrition, highlighting its ergogenic and antioxidant effects. Also, the findings suggest a potential protective effect of combined creatine on DNA damage, with little influence of the supplementation method on the antioxidant markers analyzed.