Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Renal Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

de et al., 2019 | J Ren Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

de Souza E Silva Alexandre, Pertille Adriana, ... de Oliveira José Jonas. Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Renal Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Ren Nutr. 2019-Nov;29(6):480-489. doi:10.1053/j.jrn.2019.05.004

Abstract

Creatine supplements are intended to improve performance, but there are indications that it can overwhelm liver and kidney functions, reduce the quality of life, and increase mortality. Therefore, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis study that aimed to investigate creatine supplements and their possible renal function side effects. After evaluating 290 non-duplicated studies, 15 were included in the qualitative analysis and 6 in the quantitative analysis. The results of the meta-analysis suggest that creatine supplementation did not significantly alter serum creatinine levels (standardized mean difference = 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.24-0.73, P = .001, I2 = 22%), and did not alter plasma urea values (standardized mean difference = 1.10, 95% confidence interval 0.34-1.85, P = .004, I2 = 28%). The findings indicate that creatine supplementation does not induce renal damage in the studied amounts and durations.

Key Findings

The findings indicate that creatine supplementation does not induce renal damage in the studied amounts and durations.

Outcomes Measured

• Requires manual extraction

Population

MeSH Terms

• Creatine
• Creatinine
• Dietary Supplements
• Humans
• Kidney
• Kidney Diseases
• PubMed
• Quality of Life
• Urea

Evidence Classification

• Level: Meta Analysis
• Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
• Vertical: creatine

Provenance

• PMID: 31375416
• DOI: 10.1053/j.jrn.2019.05.004
• PMCID: Not in PMC
• Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09