Primary Research · 2017
International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine
Kreider RB, Kalman DS, Antonio J, et al. · Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2017
Key finding
Reviews 500+ studies and concludes creatine monohydrate is the most effective ergogenic nutritional supplement for high-intensity exercise and lean body mass, with an excellent safety profile across populations.
A
85/100
Methodology review
Formulate's editorial read of the paper's design, scope, and limitations.
Critique
As a position stand synthesizing over 500 primary studies, its grade reflects the aggregate evidence it summarizes — and the creatine literature is unusually deep. Creatine monohydrate has been replicated across decades, populations, and research groups. The main caveat is that ISSN member authors often have industry relationships with sports nutrition companies, and conclusions about safety in vulnerable populations (adolescents, renal disease, pregnancy) rely on extrapolation rather than direct trials.
What would be more convincing
A Cochrane systematic review conducted by independent methodologists would add a final confirmatory tier. For most purposes, though, the creatine evidence base is already among the most mature in any supplement category.
Reviewed 2026-04-21 · Opinion based on verifiable facts in the published paper.
About the supplement
Creatine
Dose · mechanism · evidence grade · safety →
Read the paper
Open on PubMedhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28615996/
Cited in 6 guides
Roundup
Best Creatine Supplements 2026, Ranked by Evidence
We tested 8 creatine supplements on dose accuracy, purity, and Creapure sourcing. Find out which monohydrate products actually deliver 3–5g per serving.
Roundup
Best Supplements for Runners: What Actually Helps Endurance
Iron, electrolytes, beta-alanine — runner-specific supplements with real evidence. Plus the ones runners waste money on (looking at you, BCAAs).
Review
Creatine and Hair Loss: What the 2009 Study Actually Says
The only study linking creatine to hair loss measured a DHT proxy, not actual hair loss — and has never been replicated. Here's what the evidence really shows.
Guide
Creatine for Endurance Athletes: The Overlooked Performance Tool
Creatine is labeled a 'strength supplement' but endurance athletes from cyclists to triathletes benefit in surprising ways. Here's what the evidence actually shows.
Guide
Creatine for Women: The Complete Evidence-Based Guide (2026)
Women's creatine research through menopause, training, body composition, and mood. No bloating myths, no men's-magazine claims — just the evidence.
Guide
Creatine Loading Phase: Evidence-Based Guide 2026
Find out if creatine loading is worth it. We break down the saturation science, compare both protocols, and tell you which fits your timeline.
About this page
Formulate maintains a registry of clinical studies cited across its guides and evidence grades. This page links the study metadata to the content that cites it — one canonical entry per landmark study.
The full citation chain is public so readers can verify claims without hunting through individual guide pages. Browse all cited studies →
Note: Study summaries on this page are editorial interpretations of the research. Always consult the primary source before drawing clinical conclusions.