Darren G Candow

University of Regina · Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies

In this opinion article, we advocate for the combination of creatine monohydrate supplementation and resistance training as a safe and effective non-pharmacological strategy to prevent and treat sarcopenia that should be internationally recognized by health practitioners and public health organizations.

This study aimed to investigate whether beta-alanine supplementation (BA) improves performance and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and reduces the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) during a CrossFit® workout. Fourteen participants were randomized in a double-blind design to either BA or placebo, with 12 participants (7 males, 5 females, 32 ± 9.2...

Background: Numerous meta-analyses have assessed the efficacy of creatine supplementation in increasing muscle strength. However, most have not considered the effect of the participants’ age, training duration, or other confounding variables on strength outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to consider the effect of these variables on...

Background/Objectives: Firefighters, tactical police officers, and warriors often engage in periodic, intermittent, high-intensity physical work in austere environmental conditions and have a heightened risk of premature mortality. In addition, tough decision-making challenges, routine sleep deprivation, and trauma exacerbate this risk. Therefore,...

Aging is associated with numerous physiological, musculoskeletal, and neurological impairments including a loss of muscle, strength, function, bone mineral, and cognition. Strength training is an effective intervention to counter these age-associated declines. In addition, creatine supplementation is purported to enhance strength training gains in...

Females historically experience sleep disturbances and overall poor sleep compared to males. Creatine has been proposed to impact sleep; however, the effects are not well known. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of creatine supplementation on sleep among naturally menstruating females. Twenty-one participants completed a double-b...

Background Despite the robust evidence demonstrating positive effects from creatine supplementation (primarily when associated with resistance training) on measures of body composition, there is a lack of a comprehensive evaluation regarding the influence of creatine protocol parameters (including dose and form) on body mass and estimates of fat-fr...

Preliminary studies demonstrated beneficial effects of dietary creatine across different post-viral fatigue syndromes. Creatine is often co-administered with glucose to improve its potency yet whether glucose boost the efficacy of creatine in long COVID remains currently unknown. In this report, we investigate the effects of 8-wk creatine intake wi...

Protein supplementation often refers to increasing the intake of this particular macronutrient through dietary supplements in the form of powders, ready-to-drink shakes, and bars. The primary purpose of protein supplementation is to augment dietary protein intake, aiding individuals in meeting their protein requirements, especially when it may be c...

Caffeine is a popular ergogenic aid that has a plethora of evidence highlighting its positive effects. A Google Scholar search using the keywords “caffeine” and “exercise” yields over 200,000 results, emphasizing the extensive research on this topic. However, despite the vast amount of available data, it is intriguing that uncertainties persist reg...

Hemodialysis has a detrimental effect on fat-free mass (FFM) and muscle strength over time. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of creatine supplementation on the body composition and Malnutrition-Inflammation Score (MIS) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis. An exploratory 1-year balanced, placebo-controlled, and...

Despite the abundance of research investigating the efficacy of caffeine supplementation on exercise performance, the physiological and biochemical responses to caffeine supplementation during intermittent activities are less evident. This study investigated the acute effects of caffeine supplementation on measures of exercise performance, ratings...

Purpose Hemp contains protein with high concentrations of the branched-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine and oils that have anti-inflammatory properties. Our purpose was to investigate the effects of hemp supplementation during resistance training in trained young adults. Methods Males (n = 22, 29 ± 8y) and females (n = 12, 30 ± 9y...

The combination of resistance exercise and creatine supplementation has been shown to decrease body fat percentage in adults ≥ 50 years of age. However, the effect on adults < 50 years of age is currently unknown. To address this limitation, we systematically reviewed the literature and performed several meta-analyses comparing studies that include...

To determine if creatine (Cr) supplementation could influence cognitive performance and whether any changes were related to changes in prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation during such cognitive tasks, thirty (M = 11, F = 19) participants were evenly randomized to receive supplementation with Cr (CR10:10 g/day or CR20:20 g/day) or a placebo (PLA:10 g/...

Purpose of review: The purpose of this opinion paper is to provide current-day and evidence-based information regarding dietary supplements that support resistance training adaptations or acutely enhance strength-power or endurance performance. Recent findings: Several independent lines of evidence support that higher protein diets, which can be...

Aims: Sarcopenia generally refers to the age-related reduction in muscle strength, functional ability, and muscle mass. Sarcopenia is a multifactorial condition associated with poor glucose disposal, insulin resistance, and subsequently type 2 diabetes (T2D). The pathophysiological connection between sarcopenia and T2D is complex but likely involv...

There is emerging interest regarding the potential beneficial effects of creatine supplementation on indices of brain health and function. Creatine supplementation can increase brain creatine stores, which may help explain some of the positive effects on measures of cognition and memory, especially in aging adults or during times of metabolic stres...

Adiposity is associated with adverse health conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The combination of resistance exercise and creatine supplementation has been shown to decrease body fat % in adults ≥ 50 years of age. However, the effects in adults < 50 years of age is unknown. To address this limitation, we systema...

Purpose: Our purpose was to examine the effects of 2 years of creatine monohydrate supplementation and exercise on bone health in postmenopausal women. Methods: 237 postmenopausal women (mean age 59y) were randomized to receive creatine (0.14 g·kg -1·day -1) or placebo during a resistance training (3d/wk) and walking (6d/wk) program for 2 years....

The purpose of this paper was to carry out a systematic review with a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that examined the combined effects of resistance training (RT) and creatine supplementation on regional changes in muscle mass, with direct imaging measures of hypertrophy. Moreover, we performed regression analyses to determine the p...

Creatine supplementation is an effective ergogenic aid to augment resistance training and improve intense, short duration, intermittent performance. The effects on endurance performance are less known. The purpose of this brief narrative review is to discuss the potential mechanisms of how creatine can affect endurance performance , defined as larg...

The main aim of this randomized controlled pilot trial was to evaluate the effects of hydrogen-rich water on spermiogram parameters in normospermic and oligospermic men. As many as 12 healthy young men (age 29.1 ± 5.9 years; n = 6 normospermic; n = 6 oligospermic) volunteered. Participants were allocated in a double-blind manner to receive 1 L of h...

Collegiate dance is unique because it requires athletic and academic performance; therefore, optimizing physical and mental function is crucial. Research among athletic populations demonstrate improvements in body composition, performance, and cognition following creatine monohydrate (CR) supplementation, yet dancers have not been investigated. The...

Habitual declines in sleep duration and increased rates of obesity are public health concerns worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests a prominent link between reduced sleep duration and weight gain. Our cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between sleep duration and body fat distribution in US adults. We extracted data for 5151 par...

In their Letter to the Editor, Eckert and Pascher¹ correctly identified a flawed statistical analysis that warranted correction pertaining to the increased statistical power of our previous meta-analysis on creatine supplementation and memory performance.² The inclusion of multiple memory-related outcomes from each study was accompanied with an inc...

Objective: This study examined the effects of short-term betaine supplementation on muscle endurance, plasma lactate, testosterone and cortisol levels, and the testosterone to cortisol (T/C) ratio in response to acute resistance exercise (RE). Method: Using a double-blind, crossover study design, 10 handball players (age ± SD = 16 ± 1 yrs) witho...

Hyperhomocysteinemia induces oxidative stress and chronic inflammation (both of which are catabolic to bone and muscle); thus, we examined the association between homocysteine and body composition and physical function in middle-aged and older adults. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was used to build regression models...

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of multiple concussions on prefrontal cortex oxygenation during a neurovascular coupling activating task using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Methods Self-reported physically active males who previously participated in contact team sports at various levels of competition and who pre...

(1) Background: Cerebral autoregulation is altered during acute mild traumatic brain injury, or concussion. However, it is unknown how a history of concussion can impact cerebral haemodynamic activity during a task that elicits an autoregulatory response. (2) Methods: We assessed cerebral haemodynamic activity in those with a history of three or mo...

Background Ketosis has been exploited for its neuroprotective impact and treatment of neurological conditions via ketone production. Exogenous medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) supplementation may induce nutritional ketosis. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the effects of MCTs on memory function in older adults without cognitive impair...

Background: Branched chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation may influence glucose metabolism in individuals with impaired glycemic profile. This systematic review investigated the effects of isolated BCAA supplementation on measures of glucose homeostasis in individuals with hepatic disorders. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochra...

Context From an energy perspective, the brain is very metabolically demanding. It is well documented that creatine plays a key role in brain bioenergetics. There is some evidence that creatine supplementation can augment brain creatine stores, which could increase memory. Objective A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled tri...

Background: This study investigated the long-term effects of multiple concussions on prefrontal cortex oxygenation using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during a squat-stand maneuver that activated dynamic cerebral autoregulation. Methods: Active male retired contact sport athletes with a history of 3+ concussions (mTBI; n = 55), and active re...

The purpose was to investigate the effects of progressive resistance training (PRT) and creatine supplementation in stroke survivors. Participants were randomized to one of two groups: creatine (n = 5; 51 ± 16y) or placebo (n = 3; 73 ± 8y) during 10 weeks of supervised PRT. Prior to and following PRT and supplementation, assessments were made for b...

Creatine supplementation has been shown to increase measures of lean body mass (LBM), however there is often high heterogeneity across individual studies. Therefore, we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating creatine supplementation on LBM. Sub-analyses were performed based on age, sex, and type...

Sleep deprivation leads to the deterioration in the physiological functioning of the brain, cognitive decline, and many neurodegenerative diseases, all of which progress with advancing age. Sleep insufficiency and impairments in cognitive function are characterized by progressive neuronal losses in the cerebral cortex. In this study, we analyze gen...

Sarcopenia refers to the age-related reduction in strength, muscle mass and functionality which increases the risk for falls, injuries and fractures. Sarcopenia is associated with other age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, frailty and cachexia. Identifying treatments to overcome sarcopenia and associated conditions is important from a globa...

Sarcopenia negatively affects skeletal muscle mass and function in older adults. Omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acid supplementation, with or without resistance exercise training (RET), is suggested to play a role as a therapeutic component to prevent or treat the negative effects of sarcopenia. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on the impa...

Aims: The purpose was to examine the relationship between habitual dietary creatine intake obtained in food and visuo-spatial short-term memory (VSSM). Methods: Forty-two participants (32 females, 10 males; > 60 yrs of age) completed a 5-day dietary recall to estimate creatine intake and performed a cognitive assessment which included a visuospatia...

It is well-established that creatine supplementation augments the gains in muscle mass and performance during periods of resistance training. However, whether the timing of creatine ingestion influences these physical and physiological adaptations is unclear. Muscle contractions increase blood flow and possibly creatine transport kinetics which has...

PurposeThe aim was to explore five established SNPs (rs1815739, rs1805086, rs2700352, rs28497577, and rs28357094) that are known to modulate skeletal muscle protein kinetics in response to creatine supplementation.MethodsA randomized, placebo-controlled, repeated measures design was used. Participants (n = 152) were randomized divided into one of t...

It is well established that creatine supplementation, primarily when combined with resistance training, significantly increases measures of muscle mass and performance (primarily strength). Emerging research also indicates that creatine supplementation may have favorable effects on measures of bone biology. These anabolic adaptations may be related...

Supplementing with creatine is very popular amongst athletes and exercising individuals for improving muscle mass, performance and recovery. Accumulating evidence also suggests that creatine supplementation produces a variety of beneficial effects in older and patient populations. Furthermore, evidence-based research shows that creatine supplementa...

Sarcopenia refers to the age-related loss of muscle strength and muscle mass, which is associated with a reduced quality of life, particularly in older females. Resistance training (RT) is well established to be an effective intervention to counter indices of sarcopenia. Accumulating research indicates that the addition of creatine supplementation...

Higher daily protein intake, with an emphasis on leucine content, is thought to mitigate age-related anabolic resistance, potentially counteracting age-related morphological and functional declines. The present study investigated potential associations between total daily leucine intake and dependent variables, including quadriceps muscle cross-sec...

Background: Creatine supplementation, in close proximity to resistance training sessions, may be an important strategy to augment muscle accretion and strength. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of creatine supplementation immediately before compared to immediately after unilateral resistance training on hypertrophy and strength...

Resistance training (RT) dynamically alters the skeletal muscle nuclear DNA methylome. However, no study has examined if RT affects the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) methylome. Herein, ten older, Caucasian untrained males (65 ± 7 y.o.) performed six weeks of full‐body RT (twice weekly). Body composition and knee extensor torque were assessed prior to a...

The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing, which creates a large economic burden. Diet is a critical factor in the treatment and management of T2D; however, there are a large number of dietary approaches and a general lack of consensus regarding the efficacy of each. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review is twofold: (1) to cri...

Background: There is a growing interest in the considerable benefits of dietary supplementations, such as folic acid, on the glycemic profile. We aimed to investigate the effects of folic acid supplementation on glycemic control markers in adults. Methods: Randomized controlled trials examining the effects of folic acid supplementation on glycem...

Due to the important roles of resistance training and protein consumption in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia, we assessed the efficacy of post-exercise Icelandic yogurt consumption on lean mass, strength, and skeletal muscle regulatory factors in healthy untrained older males. Thirty healthy untrained older males (age = 68 ± 4 yr) were r...

Purpose: To examine the efficacy of creatine (Cr) supplementation and any sex differences during supervised whole-body resistance training (RT) on properties of bone and muscle in older adults. Methods: Seventy participants (39 males, 31 females; mean age ± standard deviation: 58 ± 6y) were randomized to supplement with Cr (0.1 g·kg-1·d-1) or pl...

Creatine supplementation in conjunction with resistance training (RT) augments gains in lean tissue mass and strength in aging adults; however, there is a large amount of heterogeneity between individual studies that may be related to creatine ingestion strategies. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to (1) perform updated meta-analyses compa...

Caffeine (Caf) is a well-established ergogenic aid among various training models, including strength and/or power. However, there is limited information on the ergogenic effects of Caf ingestion during many strength and power training models. Purpose: This study investigated the acute effects of Caf ingestion in bench press power and velocity when...

Caffeine (Caf) is a well-established ergogenic aid among various training models, including strength and/or power. However, there is limited information on the ergogenic effects of Caf ingestion during many strength and power training models. Purpose: This study investigated the acute effects of Caf ingestion in bench press power and velocity when...

Resistance training (RT) alters skeletal muscle nuclear DNA methylation patterns (or the methylome). However, no study has examined if RT affects the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) methylome. Herein, ten older untrained males (65+/-7 years old) performed six weeks of full-body RT (twice weekly). Body composition and knee extensor torque were assessed pr...

Carbohydrate (CHO) mouth rinse has been shown to enhance aerobic endurance performance. However, the effects of CHO mouth rinse on muscular strength and endurance are mixed and may be dependent on dosage of CHO. The primary purpose was to examine the effects of different dosages of CHO rinse on strength (bench press 1 repetition maximum [1-RM]) and...

The primary purpose was to determine the separate and combined effects of creatine and caffeine supplementation during resistance training on body composition and muscle performance in trained young adults. Twenty-eight participants were randomized to supplement with creatine and caffeine (CR-CAF; n = 9, 22 ± 4 years; 0.1 g·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹ of creatine mon...

BACKGROUND: Creatine supplementation has some beneficial effects on cognitive processing in healthy adults, including athletes; however the effects on cognitive function following exhaustive exercise in athletes is unknown. Therefore, the purpose was to determine the effects of 28 days of creatine supplementation on tasks of cognitive performance i...

Background: We evaluated the effects of high-protein dairy milk ingestion on changes in body composition, strength, power, and skeletal muscle regulatory markers following 6 weeks of resistance training in trained young males. Methods: Thirty resistance-trained young males (age: 27 ± 3 years; training experience: 15 ± 2 months) were randomly ass...

Despite extensive research on creatine, evidence for use among females is understudied. Creatine characteristics vary between males and females, with females exhibiting 70–80% lower endogenous creatine stores compared to males. Understanding creatine metabolism pre- and post-menopause yields important implications for creatine supplementation for p...

Sarcopenia, defined as age-related reduction in muscle mass, strength, and physical performance, is associated with other age-related health conditions such as osteoporosis, osteosarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, physical frailty, and cachexia. From a healthy aging perspective, lifestyle interventions that may help overcome characteristics and associ...

Aging is associated with reductions in muscle and bone mass and brain function, which may be counteracted by several lifestyle factors, of which exercise appears to be most beneficial. However, less than 20% of older adults (> 55 years of age) adhere to performing the recommended amount of resistance training (≥ 2 days/week) and less than 12% regul...