Could a simple creatine pill replace strict diets for a rare metabolic disorder?
NCT ID NCT06495567
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This early study tests whether taking creatine supplements for a week can lower the production of homocysteine, a toxic amino acid, in healthy adult men. Homocystinuria is a rare inherited disorder where the body cannot break down homocysteine, often requiring a difficult low-protein diet. Researchers will measure changes in breath, urine, and blood to see if creatine might one day offer a more palatable treatment option for patients.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- creatine (dietary supplement)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simpler, tastier treatment for homocystinuria that might replace strict low-protein diets.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early proof-of-concept study in just 9 healthy men, not people with the disease. It only tests short-term effects, so results may not apply to patients or lead to a real treatment.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
9 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Aug 2024
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
19 to 40 years
- Sex
-
Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Cis-male * Men who are classified as normal body weight and BMI (18.5-25kg/m2) * Free of any concurrent illness (cold, flu, vomiting etc.) * Not be claustrophobic (we will place a clear hood, which can easily be removed, over your head for approximately 20 min to measure your energy expenditure) * Not be enrolled in any other research studies (as this may affect our study results) Exclusion Criteria: * Men not in good health or have a metabolic, neurological, genetic, or immune disorder, including diabetes, hypoglycemia, hypertension and current or past history of kidney disease * Men who have food allergies/sensitivities/intolerances to egg, corn, diary etc. * Men who have current or recent past history of ingesting creatine supplements * Men who are smokers * Men who are following a non-traditional dietary pattern (e.g. Keto diet, Atkins diet, paleo diet, intermittent fasting, strict vegan, calorie restricted diet etc.)
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Homocystinuria are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z4H4, Canada
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.