Creatine Effect on Brown Adipose Tissue Activation

Pre-clinical studies indicate that creatine may play a substantial role in diet-induced thermogenesis and may have a profound effect on energy balance. A recent retrospective study of BAT activation on PET-CT scans in humans showed a positive association with the estimated renal creatinine clearance and BAT activation, possibly linking creatine metabolism in humans to BAT activity. In humans, so far little options are available to activate brown adipose tissue. The most potent intervention to activate BAT is via cold, which has previously been shown to have metabolic effects in humans. Provided the potential health benefits of brown adipose tissue activation in humans, and provided the role of brown fat in diet induced thermogenesis, we here aim to determine whether creatine monohydrate supplementation can increase diet-induced thermogenesis and activate brown adipose tissue in humans.