A systematic review and meta-analysis examining data from 26,000 participants across 685 clinical trials has found zero evidence linking creatine supplementation to kidney damage. While serum creatinine levels increased modestly (mean difference: 0.07 micromol/L), all actual kidney health markers—including measured glomerular filtration rate, cystatin C levels, proteinuria, and albuminuria—remained unchanged. The persistent concern originates from misinterpretation of routine blood tests that measure creatinine as a proxy for kidney function. However, elevated creatinine from creatine supplementation reflects increased substrate turnover and normal metabolic degradation, not renal dysfunction. These findings provide healthcare professionals with definitive, data-driven evidence to reassure patients and inform clinical decision-making regarding creatine use.
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