Creatine
Product Forms
Dose Distribution
Top Brands
Claims on Labels
Common Co-Ingredients
Top-Rated Creatine Products
Evidence Summary
Creatine is a widely used supplement primarily researched for its ability to enhance athletic performance, muscle strength, and power. Evidence also suggests potential benefits for aerobic capacity, muscle disorders, and mental health.
Evidence by Condition
Creatine supplementation combined with resistance training effectively increases muscle strength and mass, particularly in older females.
There is evidence supporting the use of creatine for the treatment of certain muscle disorders.
Creatine is being investigated for its potential role in treating symptoms of depression.
Research indicates that creatine supplementation impacts VO2max levels.
Studies have explored the role of creatine and its analogues in relation to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges not specified in the provided research summaries.
Key Findings
- Creatine combined with resistance training increases muscle strength and mass in older females (PMID: 34836013)
- Supplementation improves upper- and lower-body strength and power (PMID: 40944139)
- Creatine supplementation is linked to changes in VO2max (PMID: 34859731)
- Creatine has been investigated for its efficacy in treating depressive symptoms (PMID: 41189312)
Limitations
While effective for muscle performance, more research is needed to fully clarify its efficacy for treating depression and its specific roles in cardiovascular health.
Safety & Interactions
No specific contraindications or drug interactions were mentioned in the provided research summaries.
AI-generated summary from 739 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Dietary Reference Intakes
Source: IOM/NAM Dietary Reference Intakes · Dietary Reference Intakes: Creatine
Drug-Supplement Interactions
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 98% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 93% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 20% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| No Claim | 0% | Tier D (No claim on label) | ✅ Supported |
🏛️ NIH ODS Factsheet
Research by Topic
⚠️ FDA Safety Data
Research Evidence (739)
**Merritt et al., 2021** | JAMA Psychiatry | Meta Analysis Merritt Kate, McGuire Philip K, ... Yamasue Hidenori. Association of Age, Antipsychotic Medication, and Symptom Severity in Schizophrenia With Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Brain Glu...
**Palmer et al., 2014** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Palmer Suetonia C, Navaneethan Sankar D, ... Strippoli Giovanni F M. HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) for people with chronic kidney disease not requiring dialysis. Cochrane D...
BACKGROUND: Cordyceps sinensis (Cordyceps, Dong Chong Xia Cao), a herbal medicine also known as Chinese caterpillar fungus, is one of the most commonly used ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of people with chronic kidney d...
**Smucny et al., 2024** | Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging | Meta Analysis Smucny Jason, Carter Cameron S, Maddock Richard J. Greater Choline-Containing Compounds and Myo-inositol in Treatment-Resistant Versus Responsive Schizophrenia: A 1H...
**Tramacere et al., 2019** | BMC Med | Systematic Review Tramacere Irene, Boncoraglio Giorgio B, ... Moja Lorenzo. Comparison of statins for secondary prevention in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack: a systematic review and n...
Sarcopenia refers to the age-related loss of muscle strength and muscle mass, which is associated with a reduced quality of life, particularly in older females. Resistance training (RT) is well established to be an effective intervention to counter i...
Background: Creatine supplementation is widely used to enhance exercise performance, mainly resistance training adaptations, yet its differential effects on upper- and lower-body strength and muscular power remain unclear across populations. Objectiv...
**Chen et al., 2026** | Medicine (Baltimore) | Meta Analysis Chen Kai, Shao Wei, Zhang Huaxiong. Meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of Finerenone in diabetic kidney disease. Medicine (Baltimore). 2026-Jan-23;105(4):e47098. doi:10.1097/MD.000000...
**Horjus et al., 2011** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Horjus Deborah L, Oudman Inge, ... Brewster Lizzy M. Creatine and creatine analogues in hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011-Nov-09;2011(11):CD0...
**Palmer et al., 2013** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Palmer Suetonia C, Navaneethan Sankar D, ... Strippoli Giovanni F M. HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) for dialysis patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013-Sep-11;2013(9):CD...
**Krahe et al., 2020** | Neurosci Biobehav Rev | Meta Analysis Krahe Janna, Binkofski Ferdinand, ... Romanzetti Sandro. Neurochemical profiles in hereditary ataxias: A meta-analysis of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2...
**Walker et al., 2020** | J Pharm Pharm Sci | Meta Analysis Walker Cucnhat, Deb Subrata, ... Wang Zhe. Assessing the Elevation of Cardiac Biomarkers and the Severity of COVID-19 Infection: A Meta-analysis. J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2020;23:396-405. doi:10.1...
**Gras et al., 2023** | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr | Meta Analysis Gras Damien, Lanhers Charlotte, ... Dutheil Frédéric. Creatine supplementation and VO2max: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2023;63(21):4855-4866. doi:10.108...
Nutraceuticals are increasingly of interest in nutritional psychiatry, where creatine has been investigated in several randomised trials for its effects on depressive symptoms. However, these findings have not yet been systematically synthesised. We ...
**Kley et al., 2013** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Kley Rudolf A, Tarnopolsky Mark A, Vorgerd Matthias. Creatine for treating muscle disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013-Jun-05;2013(6):CD004760. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004760.pu...
BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders and mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in its pathogenesis. Creatine is effective in improving mitochondrial function. It may therefore be useful for...
**Xu et al., 2024** | Medicine (Baltimore) | Meta Analysis Xu Baozhu, Li Wenhui, ... Li Yuefeng. Risk factors for left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024-Nov-15;103(46):e40496. doi:10.1097/...
**Wadman et al., 2020** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Wadman Renske I, van der Pol W Ludo, ... Vrancken Alexander Fje. Drug treatment for spinal muscular atrophy types II and III. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020-Jan-06;1(1):CD006282. ...
**Li et al., 2024** | Front Cardiovasc Med | Systematic Review Li Wenshu, Sun Lichaoyue, Yan Sichao. PCSK9 inhibitors and inclisiran with or without statin therapy on incident muscle symptoms and creatine kinase: a systematic review and network meta-...
**Kley et al., 2011** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Kley Rudolf A, Tarnopolsky Mark A, Vorgerd Matthias. Creatine for treating muscle disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011-Feb-16(2):CD004760. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004760.pub3 BA...
**Chen et al., 2013** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Chen Huai Sheng, Wang Wei, ... Liu Jian Ping. Corticosteroids for viral myocarditis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013-Oct-18;2013(10):CD004471. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004471.pub3 BACK...
**Yang et al., 2024** | Complement Ther Med | Meta Analysis Yang Lili, Liu Xiaorui, ... Liu Dongling. Effect of shenmai injection on anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2024-Aug;83:103053....
**Pastula et al., 2010** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Pastula Daniel M, Moore Dan H, Bedlack Richard S. Creatine for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010-Jun-16(6):CD005225. doi:10.1002/...
**Vuorio et al., 2010** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Vuorio Alpo, Kuoppala Jaana, ... Gylling Helena. Statins for children with familial hypercholesterolemia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010-Jul-07(7):CD006401. doi:10.1002/14651858.C...
**Quinlivan et al., 2014** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Quinlivan Rosaline, Martinuzzi Andrea, Schoser Benedikt. Pharmacological and nutritional treatment for McArdle disease (Glycogen Storage Disease type V). Cochrane Database Syst R...
**Silva et al., 2018** | Sports Med | Meta Analysis Silva J R, Rumpf M C, ... Hader K. Acute and Residual Soccer Match-Related Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Med. 2018-Mar;48(3):539-583. doi:10.1007/s40279-017-0798-8 BACKGROUN...
**Bae et al., 2021** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Bae Sajin, Kamynina Elena, ... Stover Patrick J. Provision of folic acid for reducing arsenic toxicity in arsenic-exposed children and adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021-Oct-...
**Chi et al., 2023** | J Prev Alzheimers Dis | Meta Analysis Chi H-C, Liu Y, ... Xu W. Adult Renal Dysfunction and Risk of Dementia or Cognitive Decline: Brain-Kidney Axis Hypothesis Based on a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Prev Alzheimers D...
**Kley et al., 2007** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Kley R A, Vorgerd M, Tarnopolsky M A. Creatine for treating muscle disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007-Jan-24(1):CD004760 BACKGROUND: Progressive muscle weakness is a main sym...
**Pfeffer et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Pfeffer Gerald, Majamaa Kari, ... Chinnery Patrick F. Treatment for mitochondrial disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-Apr-18;2012(4):CD004426. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004426...
**Pastula et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Pastula Daniel M, Moore Dan H, Bedlack Richard S. Creatine for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-Dec-12;12(12):CD005225. doi:10.1...
**Malik et al., 2021** | BMJ Evid Based Med | Meta Analysis Malik Preeti, Patel Urvish, ... Sacks Henry. Biomarkers and outcomes of COVID-19 hospitalisations: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Evid Based Med. 2021-Jun;26(3):107-108. doi:10.113...
Creatine supplementation has been shown to increase measures of lean body mass (LBM); however, there often is high heterogeneity across individual studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically review and meta-analyze randomized cont...
**Candow et al., 2023** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Candow Darren G, Prokopidis Konstantinos, ... Ostojic Sergej M. Resistance Exercise and Creatine Supplementation on Fat Mass in Adults < 50 Years of Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutri...
**Thomson et al., 2024** | Neurosci Biobehav Rev | Meta Analysis Thomson Alice R, Pasanta Duanghathai, ... Puts Nicolaas A. Neurometabolite differences in Autism as assessed with Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A systematic review and meta-analysis....
**Li et al., 2025** | Cardiovasc Ther | Meta Analysis Li Wanying, Wang Ding, ... Zheng Jinghui. A Meta-Analysis of the Incidence of Adverse Reactions of Statins in Various Diseases. Cardiovasc Ther. 2025;2025:6684099. doi:10.1155/cdr/6684099 Introduc...
CONTEXT: Creatine is a well-studied dietary supplement that is known to benefit aging muscle and bone, especially when combined with resistance training. Some studies suggest that creatine may also be favorable for cognitive function, yet these indep...
**Wadman et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Wadman Renske I, Bosboom Wendy M J, ... Vrancken Alexander F J E. Drug treatment for spinal muscular atrophy types II and III. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-Apr-18(4):CD006282. d...
**Devries et al., 2014** | Med Sci Sports Exerc | Meta Analysis Devries Michaela C, Phillips Stuart M. Creatine supplementation during resistance training in older adults-a meta-analysis. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2014-Jun;46(6):1194-203. doi:10.1249/MSS...
**de et al., 2020** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis de Guingand Deborah L, Palmer Kirsten R, ... Ellery Stacey J. Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Females Taking Oral Creatine Monohydrate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2020-Jun-15;12(6). d...
**Wang et al., 2022** | J Tissue Viability | Meta Analysis Wang Ning, Lv Lin, ... Han Lin. Biomarkers for the early detection of pressure injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Tissue Viability. 2022-May;31(2):259-267. doi:10.1016/j.jtv.202...
**Davies et al., 2024** | JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr | Meta Analysis Davies Thomas W, Watson Naomi, ... Puthucheary Zudin. Creatine supplementation for optimization of physical function in the patient at risk of functional disability: A systematic ...
**Liu et al., 2021** | Front Aging Neurosci | Systematic Review Liu Huanhuan, Zhang Dandan, ... Huang Saie. Meta-Analysis of Neurochemical Changes Estimated via Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease. Fro...
The purpose of this paper was to carry out a systematic review with a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that examined the combined effects of resistance training (RT) and creatine supplementation on regional changes in muscle mass, with d...
**Zhang et al., 2025** | Sports Med | Meta Analysis Zhang Xing, Weakley Jonathon, ... García-Ramos Amador. Superset Versus Traditional Resistance Training Prescriptions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Exploring Acute and Chronic Effects on Mec...
**Ashtary-Larky et al., 2025** | Nutrients | Systematic Review Ashtary-Larky Damoon, Candow Darren G, ... Suzuki Katsuhiko. Effects of Creatine and β-Alanine Co-Supplementation on Exercise Performance and Body Composition: A Systematic Review. Nutrie...
BACKGROUND: Recent epidemiological studies on the general population reveal that up to 1.3% have oligo/asymptomatic hyperCKemia. OBJECTIVE: This guideline aims to provide updated, evidence-based recommendations on investigating persons older than 18 ...
BACKGROUND: There is uncertainty regarding the prognostic value of troponin and creatine kinase muscle and brain isoenzyme measurements after noncardiac surgery. METHODS: The current study undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis. The study us...
The editors of Cochrane Heart consider this title as low priority for the current portfolio of the Heart Group and therefore this title is not open to a new author team. The editorial group responsible for this previously published document have with...
**Lanhers et al., 2017** | Sports Med | Meta Analysis Lanhers Charlotte, Pereira Bruno, ... Dutheil Frédéric. Creatine Supplementation and Upper Limb Strength Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med. 2017-Jan;47(1):163-173. doi...
Showing top 50 of 739 sources, sorted by quality score.
Details
Creatine
Overview
Creatine is a bioactive compound tracked in the biomedical knowledge base.
Also known as: creatine monohydrate, creatine hcl, phosphocreatine, creatine phosphate
Role in Health
Detailed overview pending — this entity has sources compiled across multiple verticals.
Related Verticals
See sources-index for all verified sources referencing Creatine.
Safety Considerations
Safety data extraction pending.
Sources
See linked source pages for full provenance.
Related Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is creatine and what is it used for?
Creatine is a supplement primarily used to enhance athletic performance, muscle strength, and power. Research also suggests it may provide potential benefits for aerobic capacity, muscle disorders, and mental health.
Does creatine help with building muscle mass and strength?
Yes, there is strong evidence that combining creatine with resistance training effectively increases muscle strength and mass, particularly in older females. It has also been shown to improve both upper- and lower-body strength and power.
Can creatine help with depression?
There is moderate evidence that creatine is being investigated for its potential role in treating symptoms of depression. Further research is ongoing to understand its full neurological impact.
Does creatine improve aerobic capacity or endurance?
There is moderate evidence indicating that creatine supplementation can impact VO2max levels, which is a measure of aerobic capacity. Research also explores its role in relation to cardiovascular health and hypertension.
Can creatine be used to treat muscle disorders?
There is moderate evidence supporting the use of creatine for the treatment of certain muscle disorders. It is often studied alongside its effects on muscle strength and mass.
What is the recommended dose of creatine?
While there is no official dietary reference intake, a typical supplemental dose is 3-5 grams per day. It is not considered an essential nutrient, so there is no established daily requirement.
Is creatine safe to take and are there any drug interactions?
There are no documented drug interactions or specific contraindications mentioned in current research summaries. However, you should always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.