In brief
A compound stored in your muscles that supplies them with energy. You get some from animal foods such as beef and salmon, and it is a popular sports supplement.
- In most cases, only adults should use performance supplements, according to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.
- Performance supplements cannot replace a healthy diet.
How it works
Creatine supplements can increase strength, power and the ability to contract muscles for maximum effort, though the size of the benefit differs between people. Creatine is safe for healthy adults to take for several weeks or months.
Blood creatinine, a waste product linked to creatine in muscle, is used to estimate how well the kidneys filter. Taking creatine supplements before a blood test can cause a short-term rise in creatinine, so tell your doctor if you take them.
Connections
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Creatine supports
- Muscles and bones Supported
Creatine supplements can increase strength, power and the ability to contract muscles for maximum effort.
Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Dietary supplements for exercise and athletic performance
Creatine is linked with
Creatine supplements taken before a blood test can cause a short-term rise in blood creatinine, which is used to estimate kidney function.
Sources: Pathology Tests Explained, Creatinine; Pathology Tests Explained, Kidney function tests
Sources
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Summarised from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and Pathology Tests Explained. Sources read on 13 and 19 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.