Frequently asked questions
Creatine FAQs
Each answer is built from approved atomic claims. References are generated from the verified evidence catalog rather than entered by the FAQ author.
Does creatine cause hair loss?
Current human evidence does not establish that creatine causes hair loss. One small trial reported a rise in DHT but did not measure hair, while a later randomized trial that measured hair outcomes found no significant effect.
Read the sourced answer →Does creatine help build muscle?
Creatine may add a modest increase in lean body mass when combined with resistance training. Meta-analyses report about 1 kg of additional lean mass on average versus training alone, while creatine without exercise did not significantly increase lean body mass.
Read the sourced answer →Does creatine help older adults?
In older adults, creatine combined with resistance training may modestly improve lean tissue mass and some measures of strength and physical function compared with training alone.
Read the sourced answer →Does creatine help women?
Female-specific research suggests creatine may support lean mass, muscle function, and strength, especially with resistance training. The evidence base in women is smaller than the broader creatine literature.
Read the sourced answer →How do creatine forms compare?
Creatine monohydrate is the most extensively studied form. Reviews report little to no evidence that newer forms are more effective or safer than monohydrate.
Read the sourced answer →Is creatine safe for the kidneys?
Pooled human studies in generally healthy adults have not demonstrated kidney damage from creatine at the amounts and durations studied. These findings do not establish safety for people with pre-existing kidney disease.
Read the sourced answer →What creatine doses have been studied, and is loading required?
A loading phase is not required to raise muscle creatine stores. In one controlled study, about 20 g/day for 6 days reached the target faster, while 3 g/day reached a comparable increase over about 28 days.
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