Creatine supplementation improves performance, but is it safe? Double-blind placebo-controlled study

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #athletic-performance #biomarkers #creatine #dietary-supplements

Creatine supplementation improves performance, but is it safe? Double-blind placebo-controlled study

Almeida et al., 2020 | J Sports Med Phys Fitness | Rct

Citation

Almeida Douglas, Colombini Alessandra, Machado Marco. Creatine supplementation improves performance, but is it safe? Double-blind placebo-controlled study. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2020-Jul;60(7):1034-1039. doi:10.23736/S0022-4707.20.10437-7

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Creatine represents a natural supplement and ergogenic aid for sport performance, but there are several concerns regarding its safety for health. The present double-blind placebo-controlled study evaluated the effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on a panel of blood and urine health indicators in resistance training practitioners. METHODS: Eighteen males performing resistance training three times per week were supplemented with 0.3 g/kg per day creatine monohydrate for 7 days and compared with matched controls supplemented with dextrosol. Blood and urine samples were collected pre- and 30 days post-supplementation to evaluate 41 biochemical parameters and renal function. RESULTS: Creatine monohydrate supplementation did not cause adverse events and, as expected, promoted an increase of the performance and body weight. No modification of red blood cells parameters, white blood cells profile, blood lipid profile, metabolic and urine markers, hepatic and renal function were observed in the supplemented group. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the expected weight increase, the creatine monohydrate supplementation is safe for health and no detrimental effects on different organs and physiological systems were observed in our cohort of volunteers.

Key Findings

Creatine monohydrate supplementation did not cause adverse events and, as expected, promoted an increase of the performance and body weight. No modification of red blood cells parameters, white blood cells profile, blood lipid profile, metabolic and urine markers, hepatic and renal function were observed in the supplemented group.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Athletic Performance
  • Biomarkers
  • Creatine
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Hematologic Tests
  • Humans
  • Kidney
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Lipids
  • Liver
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal
  • Performance-Enhancing Substances
  • Resistance Training
  • Weight Gain
  • Young Adult

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: creatine-muscle

Provenance

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