Creatine monohydrate is one of the most studied and effective nutritional supplements available — with decades of research supporting its use for performance, muscle health, cognitive function, and overall wellness. PMC+2Mayo Clinic+2
Creatine increases the body’s ability to rapidly regenerate ATP — the primary cellular energy source used during short bursts of intense activity (like lifting, sprinting, or HIIT). This often translates into greater strength, higher power output, and improved exercise performance when combined with resistance training. Mayo Clinic+1
Supplementation has been shown to enhance gains in muscle mass and lean body composition, especially in individuals engaged in resistance training. Creatine helps muscles work harder and recover faster, which can amplify training adaptations over time. PMC
Research indicates creatine can speed up recovery between intense bouts of exercise and may reduce mental and physical fatigue during repetitive training. This helps athletes train more consistently and push harder with less downtime. PMC
Emerging evidence suggests creatine increases brain energy availability, with potential benefits for memory, attention, processing speed, and mental performance — particularly in older adults or during cognitive stress. Frontiers+1
Creatine may help maintain muscle and bone strength as people age and can be especially useful alongside resistance training to counteract age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia). Lifestyle Medicine
Some studies point to creatine’s ability to support glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity, meaning it could be beneficial when paired with exercise for metabolic health — though more research is ongoing. PMC
Creatine is widely regarded as safe and well-tolerated at standard doses (typically 3–5 g per day after loading). It’s one of the most researched nutritional supplements with a strong safety profile in healthy adults. UCLA Health
However, people with kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation. Cleveland Clinic