Creatine Supplementation in Exercise and Metabolism
Summary
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound involved in the rapid regeneration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in skeletal muscle and other high-energy tissues. When ingested as a dietary supplement, creatine increases intracellular stores of phosphocreatine, facilitating the phosphagen energy system that underpins short-duration, high-intensity exercise. Enhanced phosphocreatine availability can lead to greater peak power output, improved resistance to fatigue and accelerated recovery between bouts of strenuous activity. Beyond its ergogenic benefits, creatine influences muscle cell hydration, protein synthesis pathways and mitochondrial function, contributing to adaptations in strength training and supporting metabolic homeostasis. Emerging evidence also suggests that creatine may confer protective effects in metabolically stressed states—such as ageing, injury and neurodegenerative disorders—by stabilising cellular energy pools and reducing oxidative damage. Owing to its safety profile, broad availability and low cost, creatine supplementation has become one of the most extensively studied nutritional strategies in sport science and clinical nutrition.
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Creatine Supplementation in Exercise and Metabolism publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in creatine supplementation in exercise and metabolism across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP): The primary molecule for storing and transferring energy within cells, regenerated rapidly during high-intensity activity.
Phosphocreatine (PCr): The phosphorylated form of creatine that donates a phosphate group to ADP to resynthesise ATP during brief, intense efforts.
Ergogenic aid: A substance or method that enhances physical performance, endurance, or recovery.
Sarcopenia: The progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength associated with ageing, often leading to functional impairment.
Creatine kinase (CK): An enzyme that catalyses the reversible transfer of a phosphate group between phosphocreatine and ADP, critical to the phosphagen energy system.
References
- “Heads Up” for Creatine Supplementation and its Potential Applications for Brain Health and Function. Sports Medicine (2023).
- The effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive performance—a randomised controlled study. BMC Medicine (2023).
- International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2017).
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