RECIMA21 - Revista Científica Multidisciplinar · Apr 2, 2026
Muscle-brain axis: efficacy of creatine and HMB supplementation in sarcopenia and cognitive decline in older adults
By Marques MT, de Lima CF, de Miranda JEM et al.
Population aging poses challenges such as sarcopenia and cognitive decline. The bidirectional relationship between muscle and brain suggests that nutritional interventions may act systemically. OBJECTIVE: To analyze recent scientific evidence (2021-2025) on the efficacy of creatine and HMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate) supplementation for the physical and mental health of older adults. METHODS: An integrative literature review conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, BVS, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Eight key studies were selected, including randomized clinical trials and recent meta-analyses. RESULTS: Creatine demonstrated efficacy in improving memory and cognitive processing in older adults, acting on brain bioenergetics under conditions of metabolic stress. HMB demonstrated the ability to preserve handgrip strength and function (SPPB), overcoming the anabolic resistance typical of aging. Combined supplementation (Creatine + HMB) resulted in improvements in functional strength independent of hypertrophy, suggesting optimization of neuromuscular efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Combined supplementation shows synergistic potential to mitigate physical and cognitive frailty, acting as an effective therapeutic strategy to promote autonomy in aging.