Creatine is an energy buffer system only found in the brain and muscles. It increases the efficiency of mitochondrially generated ATP.
While Creatine is well-known for its benefits in muscle growth and hormonal balance for women, it also plays a crucial role for pregnant women and kids. Creatine helps babies develop in the placenta.
It is estimated that 40-50% of the population carries at least one copy of the MTHFR mutation. You or your partner are likely to carry one MTHFR copy.
However, how does Creatine relate to MTHFR during pregnancy or to babies?
The MTHFR mutation has been linked to infertility, miscarriages, and congenital disabilities.
MTHFR is the enzyme that allows folate to support methylation. Did you know that 70-90% of the methylation process in our body is used to produce phosphatidylcholine and Creatine? However, individuals with MTHFR commonly experience complications with their methylation pathways. Methylation is especially crucial during pregnancy as it affects the production of Creatine. If methylation is not functioning correctly, the body cannot produce enough Creatine, which can result in a deficiency for both the mother and the child. Insufficient creatine levels in the body may lead to developmental delays, particularly speech delays.
It’s essential to be aware of creatine deficiency in children. While severe cases caused by inborn or genetic errors are easier to diagnose, milder deficiency states can be challenging to identify since serum creatine levels do not accurately reflect brain creatine levels. If your child has low muscle tone, is not gaining weight, lacks energy, experiences speech delays, or has developmental delays, it’s important to check for the GAMT ++ mutation, which is most likely the cause of their creatine deficiency. Additionally, if your child has an MTHFR mutation and a GAMT mutation, their ability to produce Creatine will likely be minimal.
Who should undergo testing for creatine deficiency? Individuals who exhibit developmental delays, seizures, speech delays, gastrointestinal issues, and behavioral problems, among others. As of 2023, the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel advises that all babies born in the United States be tested for the GAMT gene.
By supplementing with Creatine, pregnant women can support healthy fetal development and reduce the risk of premature birth. For children, Creatine can aid in cognitive function and athletic performance. Overall, Creatine is a safe and effective supplement for women and children when used appropriately and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
It’s important to consider the quality of the creatine supplement you choose. Many different brands available may contain a range of potentially harmful fillers.
