Sex-specific maturation of muscle metabolites carnosine, creatine, and carnitine over puberty: a longitudinal follow-up study

Abstract

This is the first study to investigate sexual dimorphisms in skeletal muscle carnosine, creatine, and carnitine concentrations in a substantial adult reference population ( n = 100). A sexual dimorphism is present in both carnosine and creatine at adult age. The origin of the sexual dimorphisms is investigated using a longitudinal design over puberty in 24 males and 24 females. The sexual dimorphism in carnosine originated partly during puberty for carnosine, but not for creatine.