Creatine supplements safe, says new study

Supplements of creatine do not affect kidney function in resistance-trained healthy people, says a new study from Brazil that adds to the ingredient’s safety profile.

According to findings published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, creatine supplements given at a dose of 20 grams per day for five days and then 5 grams per day for a further 11 weeks did not affect kidney function in resistance-trained healthy individuals consuming a high-protein diet.

“The present data extend [the data on creatine safety] to typical creatine consumers, suggesting that healthy resistance-trained individuals can ‘deal’ with creatine supplementation even in combination with a higher level of protein intake (considering the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) of 0.8 g/Kg/d),” wrote the researchers.

“In fact, given the human habituation to the high-nitrogenous diet throughout the span of evolution, these findings might not be considered unexpected.”

Source: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

2013, 10:26

“Does long-term creatine supplementation impair kidney function in resistance-trained individuals consuming a high-protein diet?”

Authors: Lugaresi R, Leme M, de Salles Painelli V, Murai IH, Roschel H, Sapienza MT, Lancha Junior AH and Gualano B