Abstract
The aim of this study is to establish whether a supplement of creatine and ribose combined with a physical exercise program can improve the total work capacity during exercise in a population of patients with known ischemic heart disease. A double-blind, six-month study was designed in which 53 patients were enrolled and randomized to take either a nutraceutical composition containing creatine, D-ribose, vitamin B1, and vitamin B6 (active treatment) or the placebo. Both the nutraceutical supplement and the placebo were supplied by Giellepi S.p.A. Health Science in Lissone, Italy. After six months of study, the cardiac double product at the peak of the load, the delta double product, and the chronotropic index were higher in the active treatment group than in the placebo group. We can conclude that a supplementation with creatine, D-ribose, vitamin B1, and vitamin B6, in addition to standard therapy and a physical exercise program, seems to be helpful in improving exercise tolerance compared to the placebo in a population with cardiovascular disease. However, this needs to be further studied, given that there is no clear evidence that the double product can be used as a surrogate measure of exercise tolerance.
Highlights
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the most significant causes of death and disabilities worldwide [1]
We evaluated the following at the baseline and at the end of the study: The maximum load tolerated during cycle ergometer stress testing, clinical exams, body composition in % Fat Mass (FM), free fat mass (FFM), % water, blood analysis with lipid profile [total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)) and Tg], blood glucose and creatinine
Before entering the randomization process, 11 patients withdrew from the study, while three patients dropped out after 2, 8, and 15 weeks of treatment for personal reasons
Summary
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the most significant causes of death and disabilities worldwide [1]. As suggested by the literature, certain nutritional components (creatine [4], ribose [5,6]) can enhance the energy levels for the heart muscle function and the body’s antioxidant capacity through the reduction of free-radical. Creatine (Cr) is an amino acid that is naturally present in humans It is mainly accumulated in the skeletal muscle (95%), in free form (40%), and in the form of phosphocreatine (PCr) (60%) [8]. Multiple studies have shown a reduced PCr/ATP ratio in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy [11], even prior to overt cardiac dysfunction, suggesting a close association between cardiac energy status and function [12]. Patients treated with intravenous PCr had reduced incidence of both ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia post myocardial infarction [14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
