Does Creatine Supplementation Enhance Performance in Active Females? A Systematic Review

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

Does Creatine Supplementation Enhance Performance in Active Females? A Systematic Review

Tam et al., 2025 | Nutrients | Systematic Review

Citation

Tam Ryan, Mitchell Lachlan, Forsyth Adrienne. Does Creatine Supplementation Enhance Performance in Active Females? A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2025-Jan-10;17(2). doi:10.3390/nu17020238

Abstract

The use of creatine as a dietary supplement is widespread. However, its reported performance benefit has been largely demonstrated in male populations. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of creatine supplementation in improving exercise performance in active females. A secondary aim was to appraise the quality of research in this area. Five databases were searched from the earliest record to July 2024. Eligible studies used supplemental creatine as an intervention with physically active female participants and reported an exercise performance-related outcome. Study quality was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program randomised controlled trials checklist with four additional items related to methodological considerations for research with active females. Performance outcomes were categorised as strength/power, anaerobic, or aerobic. Of the 10,563 records identified, 27 studies were included. Participant calibre ranged from recreationally active to elite. Creatine interventions ranged from five days to 12 weeks and included a range of dosage strategies. Compared to placebo, 3/11 studies showed an improvement in strength/power outcomes, 4/17 showed an improvement in anaerobic outcomes, and 1/5 showed an improvement in aerobic outcomes. Study quality varied, but methodological considerations for research with female athletes were poorly addressed by most studies. Although some benefits were reported, most studies showed no improvement in performance compared to placebo. The heterogeneity in participant characteristics, performance tests, creatine intervention, insufficient consideration of the unique physiological characteristics of females, and an overall small evidence base limits our understanding of how creatine supplementation influences physical performance in active females.

Key Findings

The heterogeneity in participant characteristics, performance tests, creatine intervention, insufficient consideration of the unique physiological characteristics of females, and an overall small evidence base limits our understanding of how creatine supplementation influences physical performance in active females.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 27
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Creatine
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Athletic Performance
  • Exercise
  • Adult
  • Muscle Strength
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Athletes
  • 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