Los Angeles Times: Creatine Isn’t Just for Athletes

The Los Angeles Times recently interviewed Cedars-Sinai primary care sports medicine specialist Tracy Zaslow, MD, about the potential health benefits of creatine beyond athletic performance, including muscle and bone health.

Produced naturally by the body and found in red meat and seafood, creatine helps replenish the energy muscles use during short, high-intensity exercise. Because diet alone provides limited amounts, supplements can increase creatine stores in the muscles—improving performance, supporting recovery and helping counter age-related muscle loss.

Zaslow told the Los Angeles Times that while creatine was once viewed strictly as a performance tool for elite power athletes, scientific understanding of its potential benefits has expanded significantly over the last 20 years.

“If you’re not under 18, pregnant or nursing, have kidney or liver disease and aren’t taking other stimulants or are bipolar, I’d recommend it,” she said. “It appears safe to take long-term as long as you don’t have any of those risk factors.”

Zaslow told the Los Angeles Times the benefits may extend to bone health, particularly for people over 40.

“When partnered with resistance training, it can increase bone mineral content and reduce that reabsorption of the bone to help prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis,” she said.

Addressing longstanding myths about the supplement, Zaslow added, “People used to believe creatine caused dehydration and cramps, but it doesn't seem to. If anything, it might protect against cramps and heat issues because it increases the water content in muscles.”

She noted that while creatine poses little risk to people with healthy liver and kidney function, users should consult a doctor and choose reputable, third-party-tested supplements. The Food and Drug Administration generally does not evaluate or approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed.

Read the complete article from the Los Angeles Times.