Parkinson's patients have been taking creatine for years. It is a
protein produced by the liver combining the amino acids, arginine, glycine and methionine to store cellular energy. Some forms of creatine produce creatine phosphate which is an energy source for nerve cells. The theory is that the energy created will help prevent mitochondrial loss - cell death - which is characteristic of Parkinson's Disease, ALS, Huntington's and muscular dystrophies.Creatine is not a one dose fits all nor is it without side effects. Some of the side effects include dehydration, cramps, nausea, gas, diarrhea, renal stress and lowered blood pressure. Often lowered blood pressure will produce dizziness.
In 2000 an NIH sponsored trial of Creatine and the antibiotic, Minocycline, for ALS showed promise and suggested that further study was needed for Parkinson's. In that 12 month study patients received 200 mgs of minocycline and 10 mgs of creatine daily or a placebo. The minocycline was not well tolerated. The trial indicated the need for a study larger than 200 participants.
In March 2007 the National Institute of Health (NIH) - NINDS announced sponsorship of a phase III clinical trial to see if Creatine can slow the progression of PD. The trial is huge and will be enrolling 1720 people at 51 medical centers in North America. The trial is currently enrolling.
The first of a series of clinical trials from laboratory research to clinical trials under the heading of NIH Exploratory Trials in Parkinson's Disease (NET-PD), this trial will run between five to seven years. It is being led by Dr Karl Kieburtz of the University of Rochester and Barbara C Tiley, PhD of the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
Body builders have been taking creatine for years to improve
exercise performance and build muscle. There have been studies which imply that creatine can improve mitochondria function and may function as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress. In PD lab mice creatine has already been demonstrated to prevent loss of specific cells.In the past I've taken different forms of creatine but have only noticed that I feel somewhat dizzy. I'm considering taking it again but in combination with at least CoQ10.
In this trial progression will be measured using the standard rating scales of quality of life, ability to walk, cognitive function and the ability to carry out other activities of daily living.
Who will be eligible: people diagnosed with PD within the last 2 to 5 years AND are being treated with levadopa or other medications which increase dopamine levels in the brain. Only half of the patients will receive creatine in this double blind study. The trial is using 5 mgs daily of creatine supplied by Avicena Group, Inc
People interested in participating in this study can obtain more information by calling 1-800-352-9424, emailing or visiting the clinical trial site at NIH. You can check for a nearby location at the NIH website.
Next we will look at creatine in combination with other additives including CoQ10.
references:
Press Release
The Minocycline-Creatine trial
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