Scientists have discovered that creatine, long known for building muscle, may also strengthen the immune system's ability to fight cancer. The finding, reported in ScienceDaily, shows creatine energizes dendritic cells, which activate killer T cells—a crucial cancer-fighting pathway.
The research offers a potential boost to immunotherapy, a treatment that already harnesses the immune system against tumors. If validated, creatine could become a low-cost supplement to improve patient responses, but experts stress these results are preliminary and limited to laboratory studies.
No specific data on efficacy rates or dosage were provided in the report. The study remains at an experimental stage, with no human testing conducted yet. Scientists have not quantified how much creatine might be needed or which cancer types could benefit.
Further research is required to determine if the effects translate to humans. Clinical trials will be necessary before any recommendations can be made. Patients are advised not to self-medicate with creatine based on these early findings.
"These results are promising but far from conclusive," the researchers noted, urging caution until rigorous human studies confirm the safety and effectiveness of this approach.