(P13-054-24) Dietary Creatine and Female Reproductive Health: NHANES 2017-2020

Objectives: The hormonal fluctuations in women play a role in creatine dynamics, highlighting its potential significance during various phases such as menstruation, pregnancy, post-partum, menopause, and post-menopause. However, there is limited research examining the impact of creatine on female reproductive health at the population level. Our study delved into the association between dietary creatine intake and reproductive health indices in U.S. women, utilizing data from the 2017–2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods: We extracted a dataset comprising females aged 12 years and older who disclosed information regarding their reproductive health and dietary practices. Daily creatine intake was expressed as a relative amount (mg per kg body mass) and excluded creatine from dietary supplements and pharmacological agents. To categorize respondents, we applied a daily dietary creatine requirement for healthy women, creating two distinct subpopulations: (1) suboptimal creatine intake ( < 13 mg per kg body mass per day) and (2) recommended intake (dietary creatine ≥ 13 mg per kg body mass per day).

Results: A total of 4,522 female participants (average age 44.5 ± 20.5 years) provided data on reproductive health and dietary intake. The average daily creatine intake was 10.5 ± 10.8 mg per kg of body mass. The odds ratio for irregular periods in women consuming ≥ 13 mg of creatine per kg body mass daily (recommended intake) compared to suboptimal intake was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.66 to 0.86), indicating a significant association between higher dietary creatine intake and a lower risk of oligomenorrhea (P < 0.001). Additionally, women consuming less than 13 mg of creatine per kg of body mass faced an increased risk of fetal macrosomia (OR 1.26; P = 0.04), pelvic infection (OR 1.68; P = 0.01), hysterectomy (OR 1.42; P < 0.001), oophorectomy (OR 1.54; P < 0.001), and receiving hormone replacement therapy (OR 1.26; P = 0.02).

Conclusions: A creatine-rich diet appears to be associated with reduced risks of reproductive issues in U.S. women aged 12 and above. Individuals consuming ≥ 13 mg of creatine per kg of body mass daily demonstrated significantly lower risks of irregular menstrual periods, obstetric conditions, and pelvic pathology. However, additional studies are required to validate and confirm these potential benefits.

Funding Sources: None