Does creatine make you smarter?
This article debunks common myths about creatine, clarifying that it is a safe, well-researched nutrient rather than a dangerous hormone. It highlights that while creatine is highly effective for strength and power, it does not significantly impact endurance or cause the negative side effects often rumored.
Why it matters
Correcting misconceptions about common supplements helps consumers make informed decisions about their health and fitness routines.
Is creatine a weird steroid-like hormone or drug?
No. Creatine is a nutrient. Most omnivores eat a gram or two per day from meat. Your body also synthesizes a gram or two per day. You need creatine to deliver energy inside of cells. It is normal and non-weird.
Unlikely. This concern comes from one study in 2009 on 16 male rugby players. 1 But that study is considered extremely suspect . There have been at least twelve other studies that all found no change or physiologically irrelevant changes. Beyond that, it’s implausible that creatine would increase testosterone, because we know what creatine does and it has nothing to do with hormones.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in