Not in healthy individuals — a 2019 meta-analysis found no adverse effect on renal function markers. Creatine does raise blood creatinine, which can be misread on lab tests, so tell your clinician before a checkup. Anyone with existing kidney disease should consult a physician first.

Evidence:de Souza e Silva 2019, J Ren NutrAntonio 2021, JISSN

Current evidence does not support this. The claim traces to a single small 2009 study where DHT rose but stayed within the normal range — no study has measured actual hair loss. A 2021 evidence review concluded the claim is unsupported.

Evidence:Antonio 2021, JISSN

No. Taking 3 g/day for 4 weeks reaches the same muscle saturation as loading (Hultman 1996). Loading (0.3 g/kg/day for 5–7 days) only speeds up saturation. Skipping it is a reasonable default if GI comfort is a concern.

Evidence:Hultman 1996, J Appl PhysiolISSN Position Stand 2017 (Kreider)

It is not fat gain. The initial 1–2 kg comes from intramuscular water and creatine retention — the ISSN position stand notes this water-related weight gain as the only consistent side effect.

Evidence:ISSN Position Stand 2017 (Kreider)

The evidence is mixed. 2023–2024 meta-analyses report small improvements in memory (especially in older adults), but a well-designed RCT found small, uncertain effects, and EFSA rejected the cognition health claim in 2024 for insufficient evidence. Ads guaranteeing cognitive benefits overstate the current evidence.

Evidence:Prokopidis 2023, Nutr RevXu 2024, Front NutrSandkühler 2023, BMC MedicineEFSA 2024

People with kidney disease must consult a physician. Data are lacking for pregnancy, and case reports suggest caution in bipolar disorder. Adolescents can use it safely under appropriate supervision per ISSN 2017.

Evidence:ISSN Position Stand 2017 (Kreider)Antonio 2021, JISSN