Interaction Between Caffeine and Creatine When Used as Concurrent Ergogenic Supplements: A Systematic Review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#athletic-performance #caffeine #creatine #dietary-supplements #humans

Interaction Between Caffeine and Creatine When Used as Concurrent Ergogenic Supplements: A Systematic Review

Elosegui et al., 2022 | Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab | Systematic Review

Citation

Elosegui Sara, López-Seoane Jaime, ... Pareja-Galeano Helios. Interaction Between Caffeine and Creatine When Used as Concurrent Ergogenic Supplements: A Systematic Review. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2022-Jul-01;32(4):285-295. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.2021-0262

Abstract

There is some controversy regarding the interactions between creatine (CRE) and caffeine (CAF) supplements. The aim of this systematic review was to study whether such ergogenic interaction occurs and to analyze the protocol to optimize their synchronous use. The PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched until November 2021 following the PRISMA guidelines. Ten studies were included. Three studies observed that CRE loading before an acute dose of CAF before exercise did not interfere in the beneficial effect of CAF, whereas one study reported that only an acute supplementation (SUP) of CAF was beneficial but not the acute SUP of both. When chronic SUP with CRE + CAF was used, two studies reported that CAF interfered in the beneficial effect of CRE, whereas three studies did not report interaction between concurrent SUP, and one study reported synergy. Possible mechanisms of interaction are opposite effects on relaxation time and gastrointestinal distress derived from concurrent SUP. CRE loading does not seem to interfere in the acute effect of CAF. However, chronic SUP of CAF during CRE loading could interfere in the beneficial effect of CRE.

Key Findings

However, chronic SUP of CAF during CRE loading could interfere in the beneficial effect of CRE.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Athletic Performance
  • Caffeine
  • Creatine
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Performance-Enhancing Substances

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: creatine

Provenance

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