Overview
Research Article Title: Effect of creatine supplementation on kidney function: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: EK Naeini et al.
Published in: BMC Nephrology
Date of Publication: November 6, 2025
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Summary
Creatine monohydrate is one of the most extensively studied supplements for athletic performance, and recent research has expanded its potential applications to broader populations. However, concerns persist regarding its impact on kidney function, prompting this review to evaluate current human research.
Key Findings:
- Primary outcomes reviewed: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and serum creatinine.
- GFR: No significant difference was observed between creatine-supplemented and control groups.
- Serum Creatinine: Levels increased significantly with both short- and long-term creatine use, but this rise is physiologically harmless and reflects normal creatine metabolism rather than impaired kidney function.
Methodology
This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines. Studies examined the effects of creatine supplementation on kidney function in human subjects published from January 2000 through March 2025.
Excluded studies included any published before 2000 or those without renal outcomes. Of 21 eligible studies, 12 were included in the meta-analysis with 16 sets of data reviewed. Two studies featured two intervention arms and one study included three intervention arms.
Why It Matters
As creatine supplementation becomes more popular, questions about its impact on serum creatinine levels and kidney function arise when medical providers recommend the supplement.
- GFR: No significant differences were observed between creatine and control groups. A total of five studies were used to evaluate this marker of kidney function.
- Serum Creatinine: Significant increases were observed in both short-term (less than one week) and long-term (more than 12 weeks) supplementation. This biomarker may be influenced by external factors including muscle mass, nutrition, and dietary supplementation.
Limitations
The existing research lacks standardized protocols, limiting the precision of outcome synthesis. Reporting of dosage and participant training status was inconsistent, preventing deeper subgroup analyses. Although a risk of bias assessment was conducted and evidence generally supports the safety of creatine supplementation, certainty remains limited due to methodological weaknesses, incomplete reporting, and the predominance of small, single-center studies.
Final Thoughts
Creatine monohydrate is a well-studied dietary supplement with benefits for the general population. Evidence suggests that, when taken at standard doses, creatine is generally safe for kidney function in healthy individuals and in several clinical populations without existing kidney disease.
This article was written by Katie Frushour, MS, RD, CSSD, a dietitian at Mend.
