Research database
Creatine research organized by topic. Each entry summarizes the current state of evidence and links to the underlying studies.
Muscle Strength & Power
Creatine's most established benefit. Hundreds of studies show 5–15% improvements in high-intensity exercise performance.
127 studies analyzedCognitive Performance
Growing evidence for benefits to working memory, processing speed, and performance under stress or sleep deprivation.
23 studies analyzedBone Mineral Density
Promising data on creatine's role in reducing bone density loss, particularly in postmenopausal women.
8 studies analyzedKidney Function & Safety
Over 500 studies confirm safety at recommended doses. Elevated creatinine is a measurement artifact, not kidney damage.
54 studies analyzedHair Loss & DHT
One unreplicated 2009 study suggested DHT elevation. No subsequent study has confirmed this finding.
12 studies analyzedDepression & Mood
Small trials suggest creatine may augment antidepressant treatment, possibly through brain bioenergetics.
6 studies analyzedVegetarian Response Rates
Vegetarians show 20–30% lower baseline creatine and greater relative improvements from supplementation.
14 studies analyzedAging & Sarcopenia
Creatine combined with resistance training may help counteract age-related muscle loss in older adults.
19 studies analyzed