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The cheap supplement that scientists believe could help fight cancer
AOL.com • • general
Key Points:
- A UCLA study suggests that creatine, commonly known as a sports supplement, may help fight cancer by boosting immune cells that activate the body's cancer-fighting response.
- Researchers found that creatine fuels dendritic cells, which capture tumor fragments and guide killer T-cells to attack cancer, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapies.
- In mouse models of melanoma, daily creatine injections slowed tumor growth and increased dendritic cell activity and energy levels, improving immune cell recruitment to tumors.
- Scientists propose creatine could complement existing immunotherapies and improve dendritic cell-based vaccines, but the findings are preliminary and based on animal studies.
- Despite creatine's safety record, cancer patients are advised to consult their doctors before using it as a supplement during treatment.
