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Does Creatine Supplementation Cause Kidney Damage?
by Curt Pedersen

December 20, 1999

Creatine monohydrate is one of the few sport supplements that when used properly, produces measurable results. Research has found that creatine monohydrate helps increase muscle mass, muscular strength, and power when as little as 3 grams are taken per day for thirty days. Many people have suggested that creatine monohydrate, although proven as an ergogenic aid could possibly cause damage to the kidneys. Fortunately, science is beginning to produce answers to show whether or not creatine monohydrate supplementation causes kidney damage.

One recent study compared kidney health in creatine users and non-users. The creatine group consisted of competitive athletes that had been using between 1-20 grams of creatine monohydrate for an extended period of time (10 months to 5 years). The non-user group consisted of men and women from the universities graduate program. Blood and urine tests were performed on each subject from both groups to determine the effect of creatine on kidney health and function.

Results from the study indicated that creatine monohydrate supplementation did not have any adverse affects on kidney function or health in any of the subjects in the creatine user group. While this information suggests that creatine monohydrate does not cause kidney damage in healthy men and women, individuals with kidney or other health problems should consult their physician prior to using creatine monohydrate.

Source
Poortmans J, Francaux M. Long-term oral creatine supplementation does not impair renal function in healthy athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Vol. 31, N0. 8, pp. 1108-1110, 1999.