Could creatine explode even further beyond sports nutrition and play a therapeutic role for depression, menopause and beyond?
That’s what Mehdi Boroujerdi, Ph.D., author of the newly published “Handbook of Creatine and Creatinine In Vivo Kinetics,” posited.
“Creatine’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties further underscore its promise in clinical settings, though more robust trials are needed to confirm these benefits,” he explained in a press release about the new book.
“With sufficient justification, appropriate dosage form and dosing regimen, creatine may eventually be recognized as an over-the-counter therapeutic agent rather than merely a dietary supplement.”
That’s fantastic news for the dietary supplement industry — 2025 consumer sales for creatine were well in excess of $500 million and are predicted to reach north of $700 million in 2028, clocking a growth rate of over 10%, according to April’s active lifestyle issue of Nutrition Business Journal.
Keep reading to catch up on all things creatine and how the current state of supplement science may shape the trajectory of this super nutrient in the dietary supplement industry.
What are the proven benefits of creatine supplements?
Creatine has gone well beyond mainstream and the creatine market segmentation has vastly expanded outside its traditional spot in sports nutrition. In recent years, nutraceutical research has recognized creatine for its potential role in a variety of benefits, such as:
Boroujerdi’s handbook recognized several therapeutic uses for creatine as well, especially for sarcopenia and muscle atrophy associated with aging. He maintained creatine should be used in conjunction with resistance training.
The handbook also cited several research studies highlighting the benefits of creatine for type 2 diabetes and hypothesized a role for creatine in the management of heart failure. Boroujerdi’s commentary also suggested that creatine may serve as a supportive supplement in cancer treatment.
What is creatine?
Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative produced in the human body, where it helps facilitate production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source for cells. Creatine is also found in red meat, milk and certain fish.
Researchers report around 95% of the body’s creatine is stored in skeletal muscle, where two-thirds of it is stored as phosphocreatine. Creatine is also found in the brain and testes. Creatine is broken down into creatinine, which then is excreted in the urine.
Creatine does not directly impact muscle formation, but rather the energy expended within the cells, as Boroujerdi noted in his book’s preface, stating “its primary function is to maintain energy homeostasis within the body.” He continued, “Creatine’s role in muscle development is solely to provide energy for contraction and respiration,” cementing its use as an ergogenic aid.
What creatine formats exist as ingredients?
Several forms of creatine have been developed to overcome its challenges with stability and solubility. Creatine readily degrades in solution, especially at acidic pH, making it a challenge for formulators. Several creatine gummies are on the market, although whether the declared amount matches what is present in the final product can be a subject of debate.
Creatine monohydrate is by far the most well-known variant of creatine used in dietary supplements. However, the list extends much farther to include various salts. Prominent formats used in dietary supplements as highlighted in Boroujerdi’s handbook include the following:
Creatine magnesium chelate.
Creatine ethyl ester malate.
Creatine has a superb safety track record and is usually well tolerated with no side effects. This rings true even at higher dosages for longer duration.
What active ingredients are commonly used alongside creatine in dietary supplements?
Beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB). HMB, a metabolite of the amino acid leucine, is often used as a supplement to preserve muscle mass. The combination of creatine and HMB may be particularly helpful in aging populations. Boroujerdi indicated there could be a synergistic effect of this pairing in some instances.
Alpha-lipoic acid. This compound is an antioxidant with myriad benefits for cardiometabolic health. Boroujerdi stated it “acts as an insulin mimetic and may enhance creatine uptake.”
Citrulline malate. An ergogenic compound that boosts nitric oxide (NO) levels, citrulline may also enhance creatine delivery in the body, according to Boroujerdi.
Sodium and magnesium. The creatine handbook noted sodium supports creatine transporter activity, while magnesium chelates of creatine improve muscular hydration.
In his handbook, Boroujerdi suggested pairing creatine with choline, coenzyme Q10 or omega-3 fatty acids for cognitive health. Similarly, ribose and nicotinamide riboside (NR) may pair well with creatine to support metabolism and mitochondrial health.
What does the future hold for creatine in dietary supplements?
Creatine is not a panacea or a “magic bullet,” Boroujerdi wrote, reiterating that creatine “does not directly build muscle or replace the need for proper training and nutrition.”
Based on his research, he also believes that creatine in large doses is not accompanied by greater benefits.
“Muscle creatine stores have a saturation limit,” Boroujerdi said. “Excess creatine is simply excreted as creatinine, offering no additional advantage.”
Yet he still sees a strong future for creatine despite the need for more research to confirm its benefits in certain areas. This — coupled with the projected growth for sales — shows creatine is a trend with massive staying power.Boroujerdi’s bottom line? “Whether you’re an athlete, a student or simply someone looking to support your health, understanding the science behind creatine is key to making informed decisions.”