Creatine HCl to improve muscle mass and strength in older adults with sarcopenia
Official title: Impact of 12-Week Creatine HCl Supplementation on Body Composition, Functional Muscle and Brain Performance, Blood Biomarkers, and Tissue Creatine Levels in Older Adults With Sarcopenia
Run by Center for Health Sciences, Serbia · NCT07285226 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This 12-week randomized, double-blind test will see if daily creatine HCl helps older adults with sarcopenia improve muscle mass, strength, function, and related blood markers.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Center for Health Sciences, Serbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Belgrade) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07285226 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults over 60 with low handgrip strength (men <35.5 kg, women <20 kg), able to give informed consent, available for follow-up visits, and not enrolled in other interventional trials.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients receiving other interventional treatments for sarcopenia, with limb amputation, significant cognitive impairment (MSSE <25), or unwilling/unable to attend follow-up visits are unlikely to benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial randomizes adults over 60 with low handgrip strength to receive creatine HCl or placebo for 12 weeks in a double-blind design. Outcomes include body composition, functional muscle performance, cognitive tests, and key blood biomarkers linked to muscle and metabolic health. The study also measures tissue creatine changes using non-invasive imaging and biochemical assays to explore mechanisms of action. Results aim to clarify whether creatine HCl is a viable nutritional approach for managing sarcopenia in the geriatric population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, creatine HCl could offer a low-cost nutritional option to increase muscle mass, strength, and functional ability in older adults with sarcopenia.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research with creatine monohydrate, particularly when combined with resistance training, has shown improvements in muscle mass and strength in older adults, but creatine HCl has been less extensively studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \> 60 years * Low muscle strength by handgrip (SDOC criteria for sarcopenia): \< 35.5 kg in men and \< 20 kg in women * Sign free and informed consent * Demonstrate interest, conditions and availability to participate Exclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing interventional treatment for sarcopenia * Physical amputation * Cognitive impairment (MSSE \< 25) * Unwillingness to return for follow-up analysis * Participation in other clinical trials
Where it's running
-
Center for Health Sciences
Belgrade, Serbia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sergej Ostojic, MD, PhD
- Email: sergej.ostojic@chess.edu.rs
- Phone: +381112643242
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.