Purpose This study examined the effects of 5-day creatine (CR), sodium bicarbonate (SB), and combined supplementation on hormonal, oxidative, and antioxidant responses to resistance exercise in men. Methods Eleven trained men participated in a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced crossover study. Each completed 5 days of supplementation followed by a 1-week washout to evaluate hormonal, oxidative, and antioxidant responses to leg-press exercise to failure at 60% 1RM. Pre- and post-exercise blood samples were collected, and the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) along with repetitions across five sets were recorded. Results The results demonstrated that resistance exercise resulted in an increase in RPE and a decrease in repetitions across the sets (P < 0.001), with these effects being significantly more pronounced in the placebo group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, supplementation with CR, SB, or their combination led to a reduction in cortisol levels, while concurrently increasing growth hormone and testosterone levels in comparison to the placebo group (P < 0.05). Also, no changes were observed in oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme levels (P > 0.05). Conclusion The findings suggest that short-term supplementation can effectively enhance anabolic hormones and reduce catabolic hormones relative to a placebo group.

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