Myth buster

Creatine does not damage healthy kidneys

No. In healthy adults, creatine monohydrate has not been shown to damage kidney function, although it can make creatinine labs look misleading.

Short answer

No. In healthy adults, creatine monohydrate has not been shown to damage kidney function, although it can make creatinine labs look misleading.

Human trials and a 2025 meta-analysis do not show a kidney-injury signal in healthy adults; the main confusion is lab interpretation, not organ damage.

Practical takeaway

What to do instead

If you are healthy, creatine is not a kidney-damage story. If you already have kidney disease or abnormal labs, get clinician guidance before assuming it is safe for you.

The myth

Creatine damages the kidneys.

At a glance

Best next step