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Quality in Sport

The impact of creatine supplementation on the development of kidney disease – literature review
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  • The impact of creatine supplementation on the development of kidney disease – literature review
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The impact of creatine supplementation on the development of kidney disease – literature review

Authors

  • Mateusz Matczak Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Lodz, ul. Północna 42, 91–425 Lodz https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9701-406X
  • Karol Jasiński Provincial Hospital of St. Luke in Tarnów, 33-100 Tarnów, ul. Lwowska 178a https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6845-5199
  • Aleksandra Broda Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Lodz, ul. Północna 42, 91–425 Lodz https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5179-9411
  • Kacper Hoksa Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Lodz, ul. Północna 42, 91–425 Lodz https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9832-7093
  • Krzysztof Jodłowski Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Lodz, ul. Północna 42, 91–425 Lodz https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9041-2091
  • Ewa Dubniewicz Central Clinical Hospital of Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Lodz https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4191-6794
  • Paula Majewska Central Clinical Hospital of Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Lodz https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7934-397X
  • Alicja Staszek Central Clinical Hospital of Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Lodz https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0323-8697
  • Wiktoria Łoskot University Clinical Hospital No. 2 of the Medical University of Lodz: Łódź, ul. Stefana Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Łódź https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5392-4835
  • Jan Szwech Masovian Specialist Hospital, ul. Jana Aleksandrowicza 5, 26-617 Radom https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9312-8152

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2025.38.57864

Keywords

creatine, supplementation, kidney, kidney disease, sport

Abstract

Introduction: Creatine, a widely studied dietary supplement, is known for enhancing athletic performance and muscle strength. Concerns persist regarding its impact on kidney health, as it raises serum creatinine levels, potentially confounding renal function assessments. This review examines creatine’s role in sports and clinical contexts, emphasizing safety and kidney health implications.

Aim of the study: To assess the effects of creatine supplementation on kidney function by summarizing evidence from case studies, clinical trials, and long-term research, addressing safety concerns in healthy and at-risk individuals.

State of knowledge: Research supports creatine’s efficacy in improving athletic performance, recovery, and muscle strength, with therapeutic benefits in neurodegenerative diseases, type 2 diabetes, aging, and chronic conditions. Robust trials show no adverse renal effects in healthy individuals, even with long-term or high-dose use. However, case reports highlight potential risks for individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions, especially without monitoring. Elevated serum creatinine levels caused by creatine can mislead eGFR-based renal function tests, warranting cautious interpretation.

Conclusions: When used as recommended, creatine is safe and effective for improving athletic and clinical outcomes in healthy individuals. While no direct renal impairment has been observed, caution is essential for those with kidney conditions. Pre-supplementation renal assessments, individualized dosing, and regular monitoring are advised to minimize risks. Creatine remains a valuable supplement, and further research is needed to confirm its long-term safety across various populations.

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Published

2025-02-10

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MATCZAK, Mateusz, JASIŃSKI, Karol, BRODA, Aleksandra, HOKSA, Kacper, JODŁOWSKI, Krzysztof, DUBNIEWICZ, Ewa, MAJEWSKA, Paula, STASZEK, Alicja, ŁOSKOT, Wiktoria and SZWECH, Jan. The impact of creatine supplementation on the development of kidney disease – literature review. Quality in Sport. Online. 10 February 2025. Vol. 38, p. 57864. [Accessed 18 June 2025]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2025.38.57864.
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Vol. 38 (2025)

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Copyright (c) 2025 Mateusz Matczak, Karol Jasiński, Aleksandra Broda, Kacper Hoksa, Krzysztof Jodłowski, Ewa Dubniewicz, Paula Majewska, Alicja Staszek, Wiktoria Łoskot, Jan Szwech

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