Exploring the Therapeutic Efficacy of Parsley (Petroselinum crispum Mill.) as a Functional Food: Implications in Immunological Tolerability, Reduction of Muscle Cramps, and Treatment of Dermatitis.

The status of parsley as a well-known folk medicine noted for its nutritional and medicinal properties prompted the exploration of its potential as a functional food and natural remedy. The paper aims to investigate the potential of parsley to enhance muscle function and alleviate psoriasiform dermatitis, eventually establishing it as a natural, well-tolerated alternative with specific benefits for both muscles and skin. This study examines the tolerability of parsley in a cohort of 937 participants by assessing immunoglobulin G (IgG) reactions. The findings reveal high tolerability, as 96.26% of participants experienced no adverse effects. Among the 902 individuals lacking hypersensitivity, 37.02% reported muscle cramps, with a notable 15.02% reduction observed in the subgroup consuming parsley juice. In the subset of 32 subjects with dermatitis, the application of parsley extract ointment led to a significant decrease in dermatological parameters (redness, thickness, scaling). While the control group exhibited improvements, statistical significance was not observed. Notably, four categories of affected area reduction were identified, with scaling demonstrating the most pronounced impact. The results propose that parsley holds promise for favorable tolerability, contributing to the alleviation of muscle cramps and presenting an effective alternative in dermatitis treatment. Nonetheless, sustained validation through long-term studies is imperative to substantiate these preliminary findings.

The effects of a sugar-free amino acid-containing electrolyte beverage on 5-kilometer performance, blood electrolytes, and post-exercise cramping versus a conventional carbohydrate-electrolyte sports beverage and water.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of a multi-ingredient, low calorie dietary supplement (MIDS, XTEND® Healthy Hydration) on 5-kilometer (5-km) time trial performance and blood electrolyte concentrations compared to a carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage (CE, GATORADE® Thirst Quencher) and distilled water (W). METHODS: During visit 1 (V1), participants (10 men and 10 women, 20-35 years old, BMI ≤ 29 kg/m2, recreationally active) reported to the laboratory whereby the following tests were performed: i) height and weight measurements, ii) body composition analysis, iii) treadmill testing to measure maximal aerobic capacity, and iv) 5-km time trial familiarization. The second visit (V2) was one week after V1 in the morning (0600 - 0900) and participants arrived 12-14 h fasted (no food or drink). The first battery of assessments (V2-T1) included nude body mass, urine specific gravity (USG), a profile of mood states (POMS) questionnaire, and the completion of a visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire to quantify cramping. Then heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), total body hydration (via bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy [BIS]) were examined. Finally, a measurement of blood markers via finger stick was performed. Participants consumed a randomized beverage (16 fl. oz. of MIDS, 16 fl. oz. of W, or 16 fl. oz. of CE) within 3 min followed by a 45-min rest. Following the rest period, a second battery (V2-T2) was performed whereby participants' USG was assessed and they completed the POMS and VAS questionnaires, and HR, BP, and blood markers were measured. The participants then performed a 5-km treadmill time trial. Immediately following the 5-km time trial, participants completed a third testing battery (V2-T3) that began with blood markers, HR and BP assessments, followed by nude body weight assessment, and the POMS and VAS questionnaires. After 60 min, a fourth battery (V2-T4) was performed that included HR, BP, and blood markers. After sitting quietly for another 60 min a fifth battery assessment was performed (V2-T5) that included participants' USG, POMS and VAS questionnaires, HR, BP, blood markers, and total body hydration. Visits 3 (V3) and 4 (V4) followed the same protocol except a different randomized drink (16 oz. of CE, MIDS, or W) was consumed; all of which were separated by approximately one week. RESULTS: No differences occurred between conditions for 5-km time trial completion, indirect calorimetry outcomes during 5-km time trials, USG, or nude mass measurements (p > 0.05 for all relevant statistical tests). However, blood potassium and the sodium/potassium ratio displayed significant interactions (p < 0.05), and post hoc testing indicated these values were better maintained in the MIDS versus other conditions. Post-exercise cramp prevalence was greater in the CE (p < 0.05) and trended higher with W (p = 0.083) compared to the MIDS condition. Post-exercise cramp severity was also elevated with the W and CE beverages (p < 0.05) but not the MIDS (p = 0.211). CONCLUSIONS: The MIDS did not affect 5-km time trial performance but exhibited favorable effects on blood electrolyte and post-exercise self-reporting cramp outcomes compared to the CE and W drinks.

Factors affecting the intensity of chronic musculoskeletal pain in patients with cardiovascular disease and evaluation of the efficacy of magnesium emulsion cream for muscle cramps.

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the intensity of CMP in patients with underlying CVD and to evaluate the efficacy of Ice Power Magnesium In Strong Cream in patients with muscle cramps. We investigated 396 patients with or without CMP who visited an outpatient cardiology clinic and analyzed the features of CMP and factors associated with pain intensity and specific types of CVD in study 1. We also analyzed 73 patients who had muscle cramps in the lower extremities in study 2 to evaluate the efficacy of Ice Power Magnesium In Strong Cream in reducing pain intensity. In study 1, multivariable linear regression analysis showed that older age (regression coefficient [B] = 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07-1.24), female sex (B = 1.18, 95% CI, 0.59-1.76), presence of hypertension (B = 0.69, 95% CI, 0.05-1.33), and use of calcium supplements (B = 1.27, 95% CI, 0.31-2.24) were significantly associated with a higher intensity of CMP. In study 2, the mean pain scores at baseline, week 2 and week 4 after treatment were 5.99 ± 2.12, 2.92 ± 2.63, and 1.90 ± 2.41, respectively, and the reductions were significant at both week 2 and week 4 after treatment (P < .05). Older age, female sex, hypertension, and use of calcium supplements were associated with an increased intensity of CMP. Ice Power Magnesium In Strong Cream was effective in reducing the pain intensity of muscle cramps in the lower extremities.

Randomized double-blind personalized N-of-1 clinical trial to test the safety and potential efficacy of TJ-68 for treating muscle cramps in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): study protocol for a TJ-68 trial.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Muscle cramps are a common and often disabling symptom in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating and incurable neurodegenerative disorder. To date, there are no medications specifically approved for the treatment of muscle cramps. Ameliorating muscle cramps in ALS may improve and sustain quality of life. A widely prescribed traditional Japanese (Kampo) medicine against muscle cramps, shakuyakukanzoto (TJ-68), has been studied in advanced liver disease, spinal stenosis, kidney failure, and diabetic neuropathy. The Japanese ALS Management Guideline mentions TJ-68 for difficult muscle cramps in ALS. Therefore, the rationale of our trial is to investigate the safety and effectiveness of TJ-68 in treating painful and disabling muscle cramps in people with ALS outside of Japan. Accordingly, we are conducting a randomized clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of TJ-68 in participants with ALS reporting frequent muscle cramps using an innovative, personalized N-of-1 design. If successful, TJ-68 may be used for muscle cramps in a broader population of people with ALS. METHODS: This is a two-site, double-blind, randomized personalized N-of-1 early clinical trial with TJ-68. At least 22 participants with ALS and daily muscle cramps will receive drug or placebo for 2 weeks (one treatment period) followed by a 1-week washout in a four-period cross-over design. While the primary objective is to evaluate the safety of TJ-68, the study has 85% power to detect a one-point shift on the Visual Analog Scale for Muscle Cramps Affecting Overall Daily Activity of the Columbia Muscle Cramp Scale (MCS). Secondary outcomes include the full MCS score, a Cramp Diary, Clinical Global Impression of Changes, Goal Attainment Scale, quality of life scale and ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R). DISCUSSION: The study is underway. A personalized N-of-1 trial design is an efficient approach to testing medications that alleviate muscle cramps in rare disorders. If TJ-68 proves safe and efficacious then it may be used to treat cramps in ALS, and help to improve and sustain quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04998305), 8/9/2021.

Effects of warm or cold compresses applied to the legs during hemodialysis on cramps, fatigue, and patient comfort: A placebo-controlled randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Muscle cramps and fatigue are common complications in hemodialysis patients and have been associated with reduced patient comfort. Among the complementary therapies advocated for the management of these complications have been the application of warm or cold compresses to the extremities during a hemodialysis treatment. In this study, we compared the effects of warm or cold compresses application on cramping, fatigue, and patient comfort. METHODS: This placebo-controlled randomized trial was done in 69 patients, who were stratified and randomly allocated to three treatment arms. Two of the three groups included an intervention; application of either warm (n = 23) or cold (n = 23) compresses to the extremities during dialysis. The third group served as a placebo control (n = 23). The study period comprised 12 hemodialysis sessions. One week after the completion of the intervention, a follow-up dialysis session was also evaluated. Data were collected at baseline (t0 ), during each of 12 intervention sessions (t1 -t12 ), and at the follow-up session t13 . Cramps, fatigue, and patient comfort were evaluated using the Cramp Episode Follow-up Chart, Piper's Fatigue Scale, and the Hemodialysis Comfort Scale, respectively. RESULTS: In both the intervention and follow-up sessions, cramping and fatigue were lower, and comfort was higher in each of the intervention groups compared to placebo controls Application of warm compresses was superior to use of cold compresses. DISCUSSION: Both warm and cold compress administration reduced muscle cramps, fatigue, and hemodialysis comfort in hemodialysis patients.

The effect of nonpharmacologic interventions for muscle cramps and restless-leg syndrome in hemodialysis patients: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of the nonpharmacologic interventions on muscle related symptoms including cramping and restless leg syndrome in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: Articles published between 2002 and 2022 were searched in six databases. The standardized mean differences were determined by the upper and lower limits of 95% confidence intervals. Publication bias was assessed by conducting the Egger test and examined visually using a funnel plot. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included in this meta-analysis. The types of interventions included exercise (n = 5), aromatherapy (n = 5), reflexology (n = 3), massage (n = 1), and acupressure (n = 1). The methodological quality assessment revealed 13 studies were strong quality, while only one study was moderate quality. The Egger test indicated no significant publication biases. CONCLUSION: Healthcare professionals can use non-pharmacological methods to manage muscle-related symptoms because of not only beneficial effects but also it is practical, well-tolerated, easy integrated into the treatment and care.

Possible role for rare TRPM7 variants in patients with hypomagnesaemia with secondary hypocalcaemia.

BACKGROUND: Hypomagnesaemia with secondary hypocal-caemia (HSH) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in TRPM6, encoding the channel-kinase transient receptor potential melastatin type 6. Patients have very low serum magnesium (Mg2+) levels and suffer from muscle cramps and seizures. Despite genetic testing, a subgroup of HSH patients remains without a diagnosis. METHODS: In this study, two families with an HSH phenotype but negative for TRPM6 pathogenic variants were subjected to whole exome sequencing. Using a complementary combination of biochemical and functional analyses in overexpression systems and patient-derived fibroblasts, the effect of the TRPM7-identified variants on Mg2+ transport was examined. RESULTS: For the first time, variants in TRPM7 were identified in two families as a potential cause for hereditary HSH. Patients suffer from seizures and muscle cramps due to magnesium deficiency and episodes of hypocalcaemia. In the first family, a splice site variant caused the incorporation of intron 1 sequences into the TRPM7 messenger RNA and generated a premature stop codon. As a consequence, patient-derived fibroblasts exhibit decreased cell growth. In the second family, a heterozygous missense variant in the pore domain resulted in decreased TRPM7 channel activity. CONCLUSIONS: We establish TRPM7 as a prime candidate gene for autosomal dominant hypomagnesaemia and secondary hypocalcaemia. Screening of unresolved patients with hypocalcaemia and secondary hypocalcaemia may further establish TRPM7 pathogenic variants as a novel Mendelian disorder.

The effect of an 8-week treatment program using a novel foot neuromuscular electrical stimulator on physical function, leg pain, leg symptoms, and leg blood flow in community-dwelling older adults: a randomized sham-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is an established therapy that has been widely used for many decades to improve circulation in the legs. However, studies using NMES devices in an elderly, ambulant, and otherwise apparently healthy population are lacking; this is despite the use of such devices being indicated for lower leg symptoms (such as aches, pain, and cramps) that are frequently seen in older individuals. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of non-invasive foot NMES (administered using Revitive Medic©) on such symptoms compared to a sham in a 12-week period. METHODS: This is a single-center, single (participant)-blind, parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled (sham group), interventional study. Participants will be randomized to 1 of 3 groups (1:1:1) with each study group receiving a different type of foot NMES: Revitive sham; Revitive Medic© Program 1; or Revitive® Program 2. Each participant will be instructed to self-administer the foot NMES device for 30 min twice daily for 8 weeks. During the study, all participants will continue with their normal life, activities, medications, and diet with no restrictions. Following the 8-week NMES treatment program participants will be assessed for Canadian Occupational Performance Measure performance (COPM-P) and satisfaction (COPM-S) scores, lower leg pain, lower leg symptoms (heaviness, tiredness, aching and cramps), and blood flow volume and intensity. DISCUSSION: Revitive® foot NMES has been proven to increase blood circulation in the legs during use, which may help to relieve symptoms such as pain, heaviness, cramps, and tiredness. When NMES is applied to the plantar surface of the feet it indirectly induces contraction of the calf muscle, activating the musculo-venous pump and thus improving circulation. This study aims to provide data informing on the applicability of foot NMES for the management of leg symptoms that are likely to be indicative of poor circulation in an elderly (> 65 years) community population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN10576209.

The effect of levocarnitine supplementation on dialysis-related hypotension: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dialysis patients have been shown to have low serum carnitine due to poor nutrition, deprivation of endogenous synthesis from kidneys, and removal by hemodialysis. Carnitine deficiency leads to impaired cardiac function and dialysis-related hypotension which are associated with increased mortality. Supplementing with levocarnitine among hemodialysis patients may diminish incidence of intradialytic hypotension. Data on this topic, however, lacks consensus. METHODS: We conducted electronic searches in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 1960 to 19th November 2021 to identify randomized controlled studies (RCTs), which examined the effects of oral or intravenous levocarnitine (L-carnitine) on dialysis-related hypotension among hemodialysis patients. The secondary outcome was muscle cramps. Study results were pooled and analyzed utilizing the random-effects model. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed to assess the strength of current evidence. RESULTS: Eight trials with 224 participants were included in our meta-analysis. Compared to control group, L-carnitine reduced the incidence of dialysis-related hypotension among hemodialysis patients (pooled OR = 0.26, 95% CI [0.10-0.72], p = 0.01, I2 = 76.0%). TSA demonstrated that the evidence was sufficient to conclude the finding. Five studies with 147 participants showed a reduction in the incidence of muscle cramps with L-carnitine group (pooled OR = 0.22, 95% CI [0.06-0.81], p = 0.02, I2 = 74.7%). However, TSA suggested that further high-quality studies were required. Subgroup analysis on the route of supplementation revealed that only oral but not intravenous L-carnitine significantly reduced dialysis-related hypotension. Regarding dose and duration of L-carnitine supplementation, the dose > 4,200 mg/week and duration of at least 12 weeks appeared to prevent dialysis-related hypotension. CONCLUSION: Supplementing oral L-carnitine for at least three months above 4,200 mg/week helps prevent dialysis-related hypotension. L-carnitine supplementation may ameliorate muscle cramps. Further well-powered studies are required to conclude this benefit.

Vitamin K2 as a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention of muscle cramps in hemodialysis patients: A prospective multicenter, randomized, controlled, crossover pilot trial.

OBJECTIVES: Muscle cramps occur in 33% to 78% of patients with dialysis. The etiology of muscle cramps is poorly understood, and no clear evidence-based prevention or treatment strategies exist. Improved interventions are urgently needed. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin K2 in reducing the frequency and severity of muscle cramps in hemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial was conducted from June 2019 to May 2020. Each participant received vitamin K2 (360 µg/d) or placebo for two 4-wk phases, and then crossed to the alternative arm for two 4-wk phases after a 2-wk washout. The primary endpoint was the frequency of muscle cramps during HD. The secondary endpoints were severity and duration of muscle cramps during HD. RESULTS: A total of 523 patients with maintenance HD were screened for muscle cramps, including 41 patients with muscle cramps refractory to conventional interventions, were enrolled. Nineteen patients in the vitamin K2-initial group and 20 in the placebo-initial group completed the protocol, and were included in the final analysis. Vitamin K2 reduced the frequency, duration, and severity of muscle cramps in HD patients (all P < 0.05). The frequency, duration, and severity of muscle cramps in HD patients increased again after crossing over to the placebo. There were no serious adverse events. One patient experienced gastrointestinal discomfort when taking vitamin K2. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot trial demonstrated that vitamin K2 supplementation could decrease the frequency, duration, and severity of muscle cramps in HD patients.

Evaluation of the relationship between serum carnitine levels and intradialytic complications in children with kidney failure.

BACKGROUND: Carnitine plays a crucial role in the metabolism of fatty acids as well as energy production. Previous research has suggested a significant decrease in carnitine levels in patients with kidney failure and those undergoing hemodialysis. Therefore, we designed this study to assess the prevalence and characteristics of carnitine deficiency and its association with hemodialysis complications in the pediatric population. METHODS: This research was a pilot study of 29 children undergoing hemodialysis. Before hemodialysis, a 5-mL blood sample was drawn from each patient through a peripheral vein to measure serum-free carnitine levels, complete blood count with differential, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and electrolytes. Each patient was observed for intradialytic complications, including muscle cramps and hypotension, during 12 sessions of hemodialysis. RESULTS: We included 26 participants with a mean age of 14.23 years undergoing hemodialysis. Carnitine deficiency was revealed in 54.8% of our participants. Also, there was no significant correlation between carnitine deficiency and age, gender, and BUN levels (P = 0.698, P = 0.43, and P > 0.05, respectively). Intradialytic complications, including episodes of hypotension and muscle cramps, were more frequent in patients with carnitine deficiency (P = 0.02, P = 0.01, respectively). Other reasons for muscle cramps, such as fluid overload, nutritional status, dialysis regimen, and other important lab results (phosphorus, magnesium, etc.), were ruled out. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we found a higher prevalence of carnitine deficiency in pediatric hemodialysis patients. Carnitine deficiency was significantly associated with increased intradialytic symptoms, including muscle spasms and hypotension. Our results could support a potential role of carnitine supplementation in pediatric patients with kidney failure for controlling intradialytic complications, but this requires further investigation. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study assessing the efficacy of magnesium oxide monohydrate in the treatment of nocturnal leg cramps.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium supplements are widely used for prophylaxis and treatment of nocturnal leg cramps (NLC). However, there is little evidence in support of their effectiveness. The main impediment stems from the lack of assessments of cellular absorption. In the current study, we tested the efficacy and safety of a magnesium supplement - magnesium oxide monohydrate (MOMH), for which increased cellular absorption rates were demonstrated in an ex-vivo setting. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study was conducted in hospitals and outpatient clinics in Ukraine, from February to August 2018. Eligible subjects received a capsule with MOMH 226 mg or placebo, once daily, at bedtime, for a 60-day period. The assessed parameters included frequency and duration of NLC episodes, quality of sleep, NLC-induced pain and quality of life sub-scores. The Fisher's Exact Test for comparison of groups by categorical variables was used. The Student's test or Mann-Whitney test were used for between-group comparison at different timepoints. ANCOVA followed by contrast analysis was used for comparison of groups at the end of the study. RESULTS: 175 (81%) out of 216 initially screened subjects completed the study. The number of NLC episodes has significantly decreased by the end of the study period as compared to baseline in both groups (p < 0.001 for both). There was a significant between-group difference in the magnitude of reduction in NLC episodes (p = 0.01), indicating a higher decrease in the MOMH group as compared to the placebo group (- 3.4 vs - 2.6, respectively). In addition, MOMH treatment resulted in a greater reduction in NLC duration (p < 0.007) and greater improvement in sleep quality (p < 0.001) as compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: MOMH was shown to be effective in the treatment of NLC as well as safe and well-tolerated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03807219 , retrospectively registered on January 16, 2019.

Prevention of leg cramps by using compression stockings or magnesium supplements in the 50-84 age group: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Leg cramps are painful sensations of tightening in the muscles of the legs that commonly appear during the night and are often associated with secondary insomnia. They are common especially in older age. There is no evidence that any method of prevention of nocturnal leg cramps is both safe and effective. There are no previous trials concerning cramp prevention by using compression stockings. The objective of this study is to assess in a prospective randomised controlled trial whether leg cramps can be prevented by the daily use of knee-length compression stockings or magnesium supplements. METHODS: The study will be set in Finland, and 50-84-year-old volunteers will be recruited through Google Ads, the Finnish health library website and Finnish primary health care centres. The participants must have a minimum of two episodes of leg cramps per week for the past 4 weeks to be included in the study. The participants (n = 225) will be allocated to three equal groups: the compression stocking arm, the magnesium supplement arm and the placebo arm. The participants will go through 4 weeks of follow-up without intervention and then another 4 weeks of follow-up with the assigned intervention. The material for the study will be collected through electronic questionnaires. DISCUSSION: This protocol describes a study that compares compression stockings, magnesium supplements and placebo for the prevention of leg cramps. The results of this study can significantly improve knowledge on the methods of preventing leg cramps. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04694417. Registered on Jan 4, 2021.

Effect of oral magnesium supplementation for relieving leg cramps during pregnancy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Leg cramps are one of the common symptoms during pregnancy. About 30%-50% of pregnant women experience leg cramps twice a week. Leg cramps may cause severe pain and sleep disturbance, hinder performance of daily activities and may lengthen the duration of pregnancy and the type of childbirth. Several randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies focused on the effects of the magnesium supplement for relieving leg cramps. However, the results were inconsistent. Five databases were searched from their inception to July 2, 2020. We summarized the weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% CIs for "the frequency of leg cramps after treatment", and summarized the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for "recovery from leg cramps" and "side effects". Four RCTs with a total of 332 pregnant women were identified. The frequency of leg cramps after treatment was not decreased in the treatment group compared to the control group (WMD = -0.47, 95% CI: -1.14-0.20, P = 0.167). Magnesium supplementation cannot improve the recovery from leg cramps compared to the control group (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.14-1.52, P = 0.207). Magnesium supplementation had no significant side effects in the treatment group compared to the control group (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 0.90-3.69, P = 0.094). Oral magnesium supplementation is not effective in the treatment of leg cramps during pregnancy. PROSPERO: CRD42020196572.

Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?

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 supplementation is relatively well tolerated, especially at recommended dosages (i.e. 3-5 g/day or 0.1 g/kg of body mass/day). Although there are over 500 peer-refereed publications involving creatine supplementation, it is somewhat surprising that questions regarding the efficacy and safety of creatine still remain. These include, but are not limited to: 1. Does creatine lead to water retention? 2. Is creatine an anabolic steroid? 3. Does creatine cause kidney damage/renal dysfunction? 4. Does creatine cause hair loss / baldness? 5. Does creatine lead to dehydration and muscle cramping? 6. Is creatine harmful for children and adolescents? 7. Does creatine increase fat mass? 8. Is a creatine 'loading-phase' required? 9. Is creatine beneficial for older adults? 10. Is creatine only useful for resistance / power type activities? 11. Is creatine only effective for males? 12. Are other forms of creatine similar or superior to monohydrate and is creatine stable in solutions/beverages? To answer these questions, an internationally renowned team of research experts was formed to perform an evidence-based scientific evaluation of the literature regarding creatine supplementation.

Effectiveness of 4-Week Oral Taurine Treatment for Muscle Cramps in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Single-Arm Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: Painful muscle cramps are a common complication in liver cirrhosis patients, and no effective treatment is available. This pilot study aimed to evaluate whether taurine supplementation improves muscle cramps in Korean cirrhotic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten cirrhotic patients who experienced muscle cramps one or more times/week were enrolled in this prospective single-arm study and administered with an oral taurine solution (1 g/50 mL) thrice a day for 4 weeks. Taurine was discontinued for the subsequent 4 weeks. The frequency and intensity of muscle cramps were evaluated using a questionnaire at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 after the start of treatment. RESULTS: At baseline, the median frequency of muscle cramps was six times/week, and all patients had severe pain. Muscle cramp scores (frequency×intensity) decreased in seven patients by weeks 4 and 8 after treatment initiation. Compared to baseline muscle cramp scores [median 21, interquartile range (IQR): 8-84], median muscle cramp scores were lower at week 4 (6.5, IQR: 3-12, p=0.126) and week 8 (5, IQR: 1.5-56, p=0.066). All five patients whose baseline plasma taurine levels were below the normal limit showed increased taurine levels at week 4; 60% of them experienced improvements in their muscle cramps. Of the five patients with normal or higher taurine levels, 80% experienced an improvement in symptoms at week 4. The safety and tolerability of the 4-week taurine therapy were excellent. CONCLUSION: Oral taurine therapy for 4 weeks improved muscle cramps safely in cirrhotic patients.