Disodium Creatine Phosphate
Also known as: Creatine phosphate sodium, Phosphocreatine sodium, Disodium Creatine Phosphate
Overview
Disodium Creatine Phosphate, also known as creatine phosphate sodium or phosphocreatine sodium, is a phosphorylated form of creatine combined with sodium ions. It functions as a high-energy phosphate donor within cells, playing a crucial role in the rapid regeneration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from adenosine diphosphate (ADP), particularly in tissues with high energy demands like the heart and skeletal muscles. While endogenously synthesized in the body, it is not typically found in significant amounts in dietary sources. Clinically, it is primarily utilized for cardiac protection, such as in cases of viral myocarditis, and for general muscle energy support. Emerging research also suggests potential benefits for cognitive enhancement. Although creatine monohydrate has more extensive research, disodium creatine phosphate has growing evidence, especially in cardiac therapy, with its efficacy supported by systematic reviews and meta-analyses involving randomized controlled trials.
Benefits
Disodium Creatine Phosphate offers significant benefits, particularly in clinical settings. A meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials involving 1,116 participants demonstrated that it significantly improved overall efficacy in treating viral myocarditis compared to conventional treatments (RR=1.22, 95% CI 1.15–1.28, p<0.00001). This compound also effectively reduced myocardial injury markers, including cardiac troponin I (MD=0.1, 95% CI 0.07–0.13, p<0.00001) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (MD=9.43, 95% CI 7.04–11.82, p<0.00001), indicating its protective effects on cardiac tissue. These benefits show moderate to large effect sizes in reducing cardiac injury and improving clinical outcomes in myocarditis patients. While less direct evidence exists for disodium creatine phosphate specifically, single-dose creatine has been shown to improve cognitive performance and brain energy metabolism under stress conditions like sleep deprivation, suggesting potential broader benefits. The primary population benefiting from this compound are patients with viral myocarditis, with benefits typically observed within days to weeks of treatment.
How it works
Disodium Creatine Phosphate functions primarily as a rapid phosphate donor, facilitating the regeneration of ATP from ADP through the creatine kinase reaction. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular energy homeostasis, especially in tissues with high energy demands such as the heart and skeletal muscles. By rapidly replenishing ATP, it helps to sustain cellular function and reduce ischemic injury, which can occur when oxygen supply is insufficient. It interacts with the creatine kinase enzyme system and supports mitochondrial energy metabolism, ensuring a continuous supply of energy for vital cellular processes. Additionally, it may contribute to stabilizing cell membranes, further protecting cells from damage.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of Disodium Creatine Phosphate appears favorable, with a meta-analysis indicating no significant difference in adverse reactions compared to conventional treatments (RR=1.07, 95% CI 0.68–1.67, p=0.77). Common side effects are not well-documented but are generally considered mild, with potential gastrointestinal discomfort if administered orally. Uncommon or rare side effects have not been significantly reported in analyzed randomized controlled trials. Drug interactions are not extensively studied, so caution is advised when co-administering with other cardiac medications. While specific contraindications are not clearly defined, caution is recommended in individuals with renal impairment due to the involvement of creatine metabolism. The safety of Disodium Creatine Phosphate in special populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding women and pediatric patients has not been established, as research has primarily focused on adult cardiac patients.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for Disodium Creatine Phosphate varies based on clinical studies and the specific condition being treated. In the context of viral myocarditis, typical intravenous doses range from 1 to 2 grams daily. An optimal standardized dosage has not been definitively established, as meta-analyses have included various dosing regimens. The maximum safe dose is also not clearly defined, with clinical use guided by safety data from existing trials. Administration is often timed during the acute phase of cardiac injury or myocarditis. Disodium Creatine Phosphate is available as an intravenous injection, which is preferred in acute clinical settings due to its ability to bypass absorption variability, ensuring more consistent bioavailability. Oral formulations also exist, but their bioavailability is less studied compared to the intravenous route. While no specific cofactors are required, adequate hydration and monitoring of renal function are recommended during treatment.
FAQs
Is disodium creatine phosphate the same as creatine monohydrate?
No, Disodium Creatine Phosphate is a phosphorylated form of creatine combined with sodium, primarily used in clinical settings for conditions like myocarditis, whereas creatine monohydrate is a common dietary supplement for athletic performance.
Can it improve athletic performance?
Limited direct evidence supports its use for athletic performance; most research focuses on its clinical applications for cardiac health and potential cognitive benefits, rather than general sports enhancement.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Long-term safety data for Disodium Creatine Phosphate are limited. Its current clinical use is typically short-term for acute conditions, and within this context, it appears to be safe based on available trial data.
How fast does it work?
Clinical benefits, particularly in the treatment of myocarditis, are typically observed within days to weeks of initiating treatment, depending on the duration and severity of the condition.
Research Sources
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0317498 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 RCTs (n=1,116) investigated creatine phosphate sodium in viral myocarditis. It found significant improvements in clinical efficacy and reductions in cardiac injury markers, such as cardiac troponin I and creatine kinase isoenzyme, with no increase in adverse events. The study highlights the compound's potential as an effective and safe treatment for this condition, despite some heterogeneity among included studies.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-54249-9 – This randomized controlled trial explored the cognitive effects of a single high dose of creatine (0.35 g/kg). While not specific to disodium creatine phosphate, the study demonstrated improved brain energy metabolism and cognitive performance during sleep deprivation, suggesting broader central nervous system benefits of creatine compounds. This provides context for potential cognitive applications of creatine derivatives.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8912867/ – This systematic review compared various creatine monohydrate formulations regarding their absorption and plasma kinetics. Although it does not specifically address disodium creatine phosphate, it offers valuable insights into the general bioavailability and metabolic pathways of creatine compounds, which can inform understanding of how different creatine forms are processed by the body.
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