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Effect of creatine supplementation on kidney function: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Elham Kabiri Naeini1, Milad Eskandari2, Mojgan Mortazavi1
1Isfahan Kidney Disease Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Creatine supplementation causes a small, temporary rise in serum creatinine, not kidney damage. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) remains unaffected, indicating safe kidney function in users.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Nutritional Science
- Nephrology
Background:
- Creatine monohydrate is a popular supplement for athletic performance.
- Concerns exist regarding its impact on kidney function due to elevated creatinine.
- This study investigates the renal effects of creatine supplementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of creatine supplementation on serum creatinine and GFR.
- To assess whether creatine intake impairs renal function.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) from 2000-2025.
- Meta-analysis of 12 studies (177 creatine, 263 control) for serum creatinine.
- Subgroup analysis based on supplementation duration.
Main Results:
- Creatine supplementation showed a small, significant increase in serum creatinine (0.07 µmol/L).
- This increase was transient, significant at ≤1 week and >12 weeks, but not between 1-12 weeks.
- No statistically significant difference in GFR was observed between creatine and control groups.
Conclusions:
- The increase in serum creatinine is likely due to metabolic turnover, not renal impairment.
- Creatine supplementation appears to preserve kidney function, as evidenced by stable GFR.
- This meta-analysis provides evidence against creatine-induced nephrotoxicity.
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