The birth of modern sports nutrition: tracing the path from muscle biopsies to creatine supplementation—A narrative review

Background: Modern sports nutrition has evolved through discoveries in muscle metabolism and dietary supplementation. Advances in muscle biopsy techniques revealed how diet influences muscle energetics and exercise performance. The establishment of the Metabolic Research Laboratory provided a platform for further investigation, leading to the identification of creatine monohydrate (CrM) as an effective ergogenic aid. This review outlines the historical development of sports nutrition research from the 1960s to the early 1990s, highlighting key breakthroughs in muscle glycogen metabolism, dietary interventions, and creatine supplementation. Methods: We conducted a narrative review that combined personal accounts with seminal research studies. This approach allowed us to examine the contributions of Drs. Jonas Bergström and Eric Hultman—founders of the Metabolic Research Laboratory—as well as the early work of their postdoctoral colleague, Dr. Roger Harris. Results: Muscle biopsy techniques enabled direct analysis of muscle metabolism, leading to insights into glycogen depletion and recovery. The Metabolic Research Laboratory advanced our understanding of muscle energetics and informed dietary strategies for enhancing performance. In 1992, the rediscovery of CrM supplementation demonstrated its capacity to increase intramuscular creatine levels, significantly improving exercise performance and recovery. These breakthroughs reshaped sports nutrition and expanded its relevance to clinical and aging populations. Conclusion: The progression from early muscle metabolism research to the validation of CrM supplementation underscores how foundational laboratory discoveries have shaped modern sports nutrition. The work of the Metabolic Research Laboratory and its key investigators continues to inform applications in both performance enhancement and clinical health.