Creatine does not help those with COPD

Creatine is a nutritional supplement that is well-known for enhancing muscle strength and athletic performance. It is most known for improving short bursts of energy with high intensity exercising and is very popular among athletes. Recently, researchers decided to test Creatine to see if it could perhaps improve performance and strength for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a disease of the lungs. It is caused by prolonged exposure to lung irritants such as chemicals, dust, pollution and the most common cause, smoking tobacco. Because of these irritants, the airways become obstructed and the air sacs (alveoli) that fill up with air become floppy and hold less and less air, leaving the patient feeling short of breath.

COPD is a major cause of illness, cannot be reversed or cured, and is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.

The study for COPD and Creatine was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study and in the end, it was not successful at proving any enhancement for COPD with Creatine. It did show evidence that that Creatine was successful in absorbing into the muscles of the COPD patients, but only a negligible change was shown in the Creatine group, as opposed to the placebo group.

The study involved 100 patients with COPD, with 80 of the patients actually completing the study. The study was seven weeks and was randomized, with some patients receiving 4 grams of Creatine and others receiving 4 grams of a placebo lactose supplement. While both groups showed significant improvements, there was no measurable difference between the two groups to prove that Creatine is helpful for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The study was published by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) in the first August issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Larger trials are being planned.


For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability Benefits Resource Center




Social Security Disability Topics

The difference between social security disability and SSI
Social Security Disability Requirements
How to Claim Disability
Winning at a Social Security Disability Hearing
Are you allowed to work at all if you get Social Security disability or SSI ?