Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Phosphocreatine (or creatine supplementation) has been investigated as a supportive therapy for Muscular Dystrophy (MD), particularly Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The scientific rationale is based on creatine's role in cellular energy metabolism, where it helps regenerate ATP, the main energy currency in muscle cells. In MD, muscle weakness and wasting are partly due to impaired energy metabolism. Several small clinical trials and animal studies have examined the effects of creatine supplementation (which increases phosphocreatine stores) in muscular dystrophy patients. Some evidence suggests that creatine can lead to mild improvements in muscle strength, function, and fat-free mass, especially in younger patients with DMD and Becker Muscular Dystrophy. For example, a 2004 randomized, placebo-controlled trial (Walter et al., Annals of Neurology) found modest improvements in muscle strength and daily living activities in children with DMD after creatine supplementation. Systematic reviews (e.g., Kley et al., 2013, Neurology) acknowledge beneficial effects, but also note that the evidence base is limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and heterogeneity of results. There is not yet enough high-quality evidence to recommend phosphocreatine or creatine supplementation as a standard treatment for MD, but it is sometimes used as an adjunct therapy under medical supervision. Overall, the use is scientifically motivated but the strength of evidence remains modest (rated 2/5).

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