Creatine: What You Should Know Before You Start

Jing-Jing Cardona
Aug 19
5 min read

Creatine is one of the most widely studied and safest supplements available today. While it’s often associated with bodybuilders and athletes, research shows that creatine has benefits for everyday people—both men and women, across many age groups. Still, there are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about creatine. Let’s take a closer look at what it is, how it works, and how to use it correctly.

What Is Creatine?

graphic to explain the relationship between ATP and creatine phosphate

Creatine is a natural substance your body makes every day in small amounts. It’s produced in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas, and most of it is stored in your muscles. You also get creatine from foods like red meat, pork, and fish—but usually not enough to maximize your muscle stores.

Your body’s main fuel is a molecule called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Every muscle contraction, brain signal, and heartbeat uses ATP for energy. Normally, your cells make ATP through the Krebs cycle inside the mitochondria (the “powerhouse” of the cell). This process works well for steady activity, but it’s relatively slow.

During quick, high-intensity effort—like sprinting, lifting weights, or climbing stairs—your muscles burn through ATP faster than your mitochondria can replace it. That’s where creatine comes in.

Creatine is stored in the form of creatine phosphate. When ATP is used up and becomes ADP (adenosine diphosphate), creatine phosphate can donate its phosphate group to recycle ADP back into ATP. This gives your body an immediate backup energy supply until the mitochondria catch up.

Think of it this way: ATP is your car’s gas, the mitochondria are the steady engine that refills the tank, and creatine phosphate is the reserve gas can you keep in the trunk. It’s there when you need extra energy—fast.

Benefits of Creatine

Creatine isn’t just for professional athletes—it offers a wide range of health benefits:

Improved Strength and Muscle Mass – Helps you get stronger and recover faster from resistance training.
Better Exercise Performance – Increases energy for high-intensity, short-duration activities like sprinting, weight lifting, or HIIT workouts.
Brain Health – Supports energy for memory, focus, and protection against age-related decline.
Healthy Aging – Helps older adults maintain muscle mass, strength, and independence.
Potential Metabolic Benefits – Some evidence shows creatine may improve blood sugar control and energy metabolism.

Brain Health Benefits of Creatine

Older patient smiling at his doctor in a pleasant interaction

Creatine isn’t only useful for your muscles—your brain also relies heavily on energy to function at its best. Just like muscle tissue, brain cells depend on mitochondria to produce ATP through the Krebs cycle. When you’re stressed, tired, or aging, your brain may struggle to make energy as efficiently. Creatine supplementation can help by giving brain cells an additional energy reserve.

Research has shown that creatine may:

Support memory and learning – Especially under stress or fatigue.
Protect against age-related decline – Helping older adults maintain sharper thinking and processing speed.
Reduce mental fatigue – Supporting long periods of concentration or problem-solving.

Real-Life Example:

A college student pulling a late-night study session may find that creatine helps reduce the “mental fog” of sleep deprivation.
An older adult trying to stay independent and mentally sharp may benefit from creatine’s support for both brain and muscle energy.
A busy professional juggling work, family, and fitness may notice improved recovery after workouts and better focus at work.

While creatine is not a treatment for brain disorders, its role in energy metabolism is promising, and research is ongoing.

Myths About Creatine

Because creatine has been around for decades, a lot of myths have developed:

Myth: Creatine damages your kidneys or liver.
- Fact: Research shows creatine is safe for healthy adults when used at recommended doses. If you already have kidney disease, talk with your doctor first.
Myth: Creatine causes dehydration or muscle cramps.
- Fact: Studies suggest creatine may actually improve hydration inside muscle cells.
Myth: Only bodybuilders need creatine.
- Fact: Creatine can benefit men and women at many fitness levels, from beginners to older adults wanting to preserve strength.

Who Should Consider Creatine?

3 older female friends stretching on a street before exercise

Creatine can be a great option for:

Adults who want to increase muscle strength and endurance.
Older adults who want to prevent muscle loss with aging.
Men and women who do resistance or high-intensity exercise.
People interested in brain health and energy support.

Those who should avoid creatine or only use it under medical supervision include:

People with kidney disease.
People with liver disease.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women (not enough safety data).

How to Take Creatine Safely

Form: The best-studied and most reliable form is creatine monohydrate. Avoid expensive blends or “special” versions—they don’t provide added benefits.

Dosing:

Standard approach: 3–5 grams once per day.
Some people choose a “loading phase” (20 grams daily, split into 4 doses, for 5–7 days), but this is optional. Long-term results are the same whether you load or not.

Timing: Creatine can be taken at any time of day, but many find it convenient after exercise with a meal or protein shake.

Hydration: Drink enough water throughout the day to support muscle function.

Do’s and Don’ts of Creatine Supplementation

a measuring spoon in a pile of white powder with an overlay of a graphic of creatine phosphate chemical formula

Do:

Choose plain creatine monohydrate powder.
Take it consistently—daily use works better than occasional use.
Pair it with exercise for best results.

Don’t:

Expect creatine to work without exercise—it enhances training, it doesn’t replace it.
Overdo the dose—more than 5 grams daily doesn’t give extra benefits.
Confuse creatine with steroids—it’s not a hormone and doesn’t affect testosterone.

Common Misuses of Creatine

Taking too much. More is not better; the body can only store so much.
Skipping days. Inconsistent use means you won’t maintain benefits.
Using “muscle-building” blends. Many products mix creatine with unnecessary additives or stimulants. Stick to the basics.

Bottom Line

Creatine is one of the safest, most effective supplements for supporting muscle strength, exercise performance, and even healthy aging. It’s not just for athletes—it can benefit everyday adults who want to stay strong, active, and mentally sharp. When used correctly, creatine can be a valuable tool for both physical and brain health. Always check with your doctor before starting creatine—especially if you have kidney or liver problems, or if you’re taking prescription medications.

Dr. Garland and Dr. Cardona standing outside of Cardona Direct Primary Care in white coats

About Cardona Direct Primary Care & RefineMD Aesthetics

At Cardona Direct Primary Care, Dr. Cardona and Dr. Garland provide personalized healthcare, including direct primary care, obesity medicine, and aesthetic treatments. Dr. Cardona is board-certified in both family medicine and obesity medicine and has a special interest in medical weight loss. Dr. Garland is board-certified in family medicine and is a certified medical marijuana provider. She has a special interest in skincare and is eager to assist with your individual skincare needs. Located in Jacksonville, FL, we are dedicated to prioritizing you. Contact us at 904-551-4625 or visit our website at www.cardonadpc.com to learn more or to visit their Fullscript store to order top-quality supplements and wellness products.