The effects of a creatine supplement formulation containing cinnamon extract on creatine uptake, creatine transporter expression, insulin signaling, and muscle performance in males.

Abstract

Creatine monohydrate has become one of the most popular ingested nutritional supplements used for its potential to enhance athletic performance. Numerous creatine formulations have been developed to maximize creatine absorption, and may also provide a means to either partially bypass or up-regulate the function of creatine transporter-1 (CreaT1). Cinnamon extract (Cinnulin) has been observed to mimic the effects of insulin, thereby up-regulating glucose uptake and insulin signaling. This study examined how a seven-week supplementation regimen with creatine monohydrate combined with Cinnulin (CCI), creatine monohydrate (CR), or placebo (PLA) affected physiological and molecular adaptations in nonresistance-trained males following a prescribed resistance-training program. Results demonstrated that Cinnulin combined with creatine monohydrate elicited greater mean increases in relative 1-RM leg press, thigh lean mass, body water, and total Akt protein content when compared to creatine monohydrate alone, or placebo; however, intramuscular creatine increases between the CCI and CR groups demonstrated no significant differences.