Evidence

Research on creatine supplement use for specific activities and conditions shows:

• Strength, muscle size and performance. Creatine supplement use might help an athlete do more work during repeated short bursts of high-intensity exercise, such as lifting weights or sprinting. Creatine supplements, especially when combined with resistance training, can lead to greater gains in muscle strength, muscle size and athletic performance.
• Injury prevention and recovery. Research does not show a higher risk of muscle cramps or muscle injury in people who take creatine supplements. Some studies suggest that creatine may support injury prevention and rehabilitation in athletes, but more research is needed.
• Rare creatine-metabolizing syndromes. In children with certain creatine deficiency syndromes, creatine supplements might improve some symptoms.
• Memory and brain health. Some early research suggests that creatine supplements might improve memory and thinking skills, especially in older adults. More research is needed.
• Strength and bone health in older adults. Older adults who take creatine supplements and do resistance exercises can improve strength. Research does not show a clear benefit for total bone mineral density.
• Heart failure. Evidence is limited and it's unclear whether creatine supplements help treat heart failure.

People with low levels of creatine, such as vegetarians, may see more benefits from creatine supplements and larger increases in muscle creatine stores.