Effect of creatine ethyl ester supplementation and resistance training on hormonal changes, body composition and muscle strength in underweight non-athlete men

Summary Study aim: The aim of this study to determine whether creatine ethyl ester (CEE) supplementation combined with resistance training (RT) is effective for improving hormonal changes, body composition and muscle strength in underweight non-athlete men. Materials and methods: Sixteen underweight non-athlete men participated in this double-blind study and were randomly assigned to one of two groups: RT with placebo (RT + PL, n = 8) and RT with CEE supplementation (RT + CEE, n = 8). The participants performed 6 weeks of RT (60–80% 1RM) combined with CEE or PL. 48 hours before and after the training period, muscle strength (1RM for leg press and bench press), body composition (percentage of body fat, circumference measurements of the arm and thigh), serum levels of testosterone, cortisol, and growth hormone (GH) of the participant were measurements. Results: Significant increases were observed for weight, muscle strength and muscle mass, serum levels of testosterone and GH between pre and post-test in the RT + CEE group (p < 0.05). In addition, cortisol level was significantly decreased in the post-test in the RT+CEE group. The decrease in fat percent was greater in the RT + PL group than in the RT + CEE group (%change = –6.78 vs. –0.76, respectively). Weight and leg strength changes in the RT + CEE group were significant compared to the RT + PL group (p < 0.001, p = 0.05, p = 0.001; respectively). However, in other variables, despite the increase of GH and testosterone levels and lower levels of cortisol in the RT + CEE group, no significant differences were observed between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It seems that the consumption of CEE combined with RT can have significant effects on body weight and leg strength in underweight non-athlete men. This supplement may provide a potential nutritional intervention to promote body weight in underweight men.