Is creatine safe during pregnancy? Are the benefits the same?
Penny cited the following
16 peer-reviewed research articles
4 articles from healthcare institutions
Overview
Current evidence suggests that creatine is likely safe for use during pregnancy when taken at standard doses, but its routine supplementation is not yet established practice. The benefits of creatine in pregnancy may differ from those in non-pregnant adults, with emerging research indicating possible advantages for fetal development, especially in situations of oxygen deprivation or high metabolic stress. However, large human studies and clinical trials are still lacking, so recommendations are cautious.
Key Points
Safety of Creatine During Pregnancy
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Human Data: There are no large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) directly assessing creatine supplementation safety in pregnant women. However, reviews of creatine use in women of reproductive age and preterm infants have found no evidence of harm or serious side effects when supplements are produced to high standards and taken as directed. Pre-clinical (animal) studies and observational data in humans have not shown adverse effects on mothers or babies.
1ArticleCreatine Metabolism in Female Reproduction, Pregnancy and Newborn Health - PMCThe recently conducted Acceptability ... families and healthcare providers, concluding that creatine would be an acceptable supplementduringpregnancy provided they were given evidence-based assurances of efficacy and safety....→
PubMed Central
2ArticleCreatine and pregnancy: what you need to knowGiven the benefits for mother and baby, Dr Stacey Ellery and her team are investigating the optimal level of creatineduringpregnancy, including creatinesupplementation. This is the first safety study of creatine conducted in human pregnancy.→Hudson Institute of Medical Research
3ArticleCreatine supplement safe for women - Hudson IntsituteOur bodies make the other half naturally. During pregnancy, creatine is transferred from mother to baby through the placenta. Creatine is also a common nutritional supplement used to enhance exercise and athletic performance. It’s safety profile has mostly been studied in males.→4ArticleCreatine in Health and Disease - PMCMaternal creatinesupplementation ... may improve reproductive and/or perinatal outcomes [7,277,278,279,280,283,284,286,288]. However, it should be noted that research on the role of creatinesupplementationinpregnantwomen is limited....→ -
Long-Term Use: In non-pregnant adults, creatine has a strong safety record, with no increase in serious adverse events or organ dysfunction when used at recommended doses.
3ArticleCreatine supplement safe for women - Hudson IntsituteOur bodies make the other half naturally. During pregnancy, creatine is transferred from mother to baby through the placenta. Creatine is also a common nutritional supplement used to enhance exercise and athletic performance. It’s safety profile has mostly been studied in males.→4ArticleCreatine in Health and Disease - PMCMaternal creatinesupplementation ... may improve reproductive and/or perinatal outcomes [7,277,278,279,280,283,284,286,288]. However, it should be noted that research on the role of creatinesupplementationinpregnantwomen is limited....→5ArticleCreatine: What It Does, Benefits, Supplements & SafetyCreatine is a natural energy source for your muscles. Learn how it can benefit your workouts and brain health.→
Cleveland Clinic
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Cautions: Because pregnancy alters fluid balance and kidney function, and creatine is an osmolyte (affecting water movement in cells), there is theoretical concern about fluid shifts or kidney stress at very high doses, but this has not been observed in studies so far.
1ArticleCreatine Metabolism in Female Reproduction, Pregnancy and Newborn Health - PMCThe recently conducted Acceptability ... families and healthcare providers, concluding that creatine would be an acceptable supplementduringpregnancy provided they were given evidence-based assurances of efficacy and safety....→4ArticleCreatine in Health and Disease - PMCMaternal creatinesupplementation ... may improve reproductive and/or perinatal outcomes [7,277,278,279,280,283,284,286,288]. However, it should be noted that research on the role of creatinesupplementationinpregnantwomen is limited....→6ArticleCreatine supplementation during pregnancy: summary of experimental studies suggesting a treatment to improve fetal and neonatal morbidity and reduce mortality in high-risk human pregnancy - PMCBizzarini E, De Angelis L. Is the use of oral creatinesupplementation safe? J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2004;44(4):411–416. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Jager R, Purpura M, Shao A, Inoue T, Kreider RB. Analysis of the efficacy, safety, and regulatory status of novel forms of creatine.→7ArticleCreatine supplementation during pregnancy: summary of experimental studies suggesting a treatment to improve fetal and neonatal morbidity and reduce mortality in high-risk human pregnancy | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Full TextWhile the use of creatine in human pregnancy is yet to be fully evaluated, its long-term use in healthy adults appears to be safe, and its well documented neuroprotective properties have recently been extended by demonstrations that creatine improves cognitive function in normal and elderly ...→
BioMed Central
Benefits of Creatine in Pregnancy
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Fetal and Placental Health: Creatine is important for cellular energy production, especially in tissues with high energy demands like the placenta and fetal organs. Animal studies show that maternal creatine supplementation can protect the fetal brain and organs from injury due to low oxygen (hypoxia) at birth.
4ArticleCreatine in Health and Disease - PMCMaternal creatinesupplementation ... may improve reproductive and/or perinatal outcomes [7,277,278,279,280,283,284,286,288]. However, it should be noted that research on the role of creatinesupplementationinpregnantwomen is limited....→6ArticleCreatine supplementation during pregnancy: summary of experimental studies suggesting a treatment to improve fetal and neonatal morbidity and reduce mortality in high-risk human pregnancy - PMCBizzarini E, De Angelis L. Is the use of oral creatinesupplementation safe? J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2004;44(4):411–416. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Jager R, Purpura M, Shao A, Inoue T, Kreider RB. Analysis of the efficacy, safety, and regulatory status of novel forms of creatine.→8ArticleFull article: Creatine in women’s health: bridging the gap from menstruation through pregnancy to menopauseNotably, in fetal sheep studies, ... creatinesupplementation on in-utero cerebral development appear minimal and do not cause any significant disturbances to cognitive behavior in offspring. With a focus on establishing the safety profile of supplementationduringpregnancy, creatine ...→
Taylor & Francis Online
9ArticleCreatine Metabolism in Female Reproduction, Pregnancy and Newborn Health - PubMedCreatine and pregnancy outcomes, a prospective cohort study in low-risk pregnantwomen: study protocol.→PubMed
10ArticleCreatine & pregnancy – good for baby’s brain - Hudson Institute of Medical Research“HIE can cause cerebral palsy, ... that in pregnancies where the fetus is deprived of oxygen, creatine could be beneficial.” · Dr Stacey Ellery and 10month old son Archie. Picture: Ian Currie · Dr Stacey Ellery heads Hudson Institute’s world-leading creatine research. She says its safety is well-established, and her team is actively researching how much creatine gets from the mother’s system to the baby’s, to optimise supplementation in ...→ -
Human Observational Studies: Some studies have found that higher maternal creatine levels are associated with better fetal growth and birth outcomes, but these are correlations, not proof of benefit from supplementation.
1ArticleCreatine Metabolism in Female Reproduction, Pregnancy and Newborn Health - PMCThe recently conducted Acceptability ... families and healthcare providers, concluding that creatine would be an acceptable supplementduringpregnancy provided they were given evidence-based assurances of efficacy and safety....→3ArticleCreatine supplement safe for women - Hudson IntsituteOur bodies make the other half naturally. During pregnancy, creatine is transferred from mother to baby through the placenta. Creatine is also a common nutritional supplement used to enhance exercise and athletic performance. It’s safety profile has mostly been studied in males.→4ArticleCreatine in Health and Disease - PMCMaternal creatinesupplementation ... may improve reproductive and/or perinatal outcomes [7,277,278,279,280,283,284,286,288]. However, it should be noted that research on the role of creatinesupplementationinpregnantwomen is limited....→11ArticleCreatine and pregnancy outcomes, a prospective cohort study in low-risk pregnant women: study protocol | BMJ OpenIntroduction The creatine kinase circuit is central to the regulation of high-energy phosphate metabolism and the maintenance of cellular energy turnover. This circuit is fuelled by creatine, an amino acid derivative that can be obtained from a diet containing animal products, and by synthesis ...→
bmjopen.bmj.com
12ArticleCreatine and pregnancy outcomes: a prospective cohort study of creatine metabolism in low-risk pregnant females - ScienceDirectPhysiological adaptations during pregnancy alter nutrient and energy metabolism. Creatine may be important for maintaining cellular energy homeostasis…→sciencedirect.com
13ArticleCreatine and pregnancy outcomes: a prospective cohort study of creatine metabolism in low-risk pregnant females - PubMedAlthough maternal plasma creatine concentrations were highly conserved, creatine metabolism appears to adjust throughout pregnancy. An ability to maintain creatine concentrations through diet and shifts in endogenous synthesis may impact fetal growth. This trial was registered at [registry ...→ -
Potential for Complicated Pregnancies: There is particular interest in creatine for pregnancies at risk of complications like fetal growth restriction or preeclampsia, where oxygen delivery to the fetus may be compromised.
4ArticleCreatine in Health and Disease - PMCMaternal creatinesupplementation ... may improve reproductive and/or perinatal outcomes [7,277,278,279,280,283,284,286,288]. However, it should be noted that research on the role of creatinesupplementationinpregnantwomen is limited....→6ArticleCreatine supplementation during pregnancy: summary of experimental studies suggesting a treatment to improve fetal and neonatal morbidity and reduce mortality in high-risk human pregnancy - PMCBizzarini E, De Angelis L. Is the use of oral creatinesupplementation safe? J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2004;44(4):411–416. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Jager R, Purpura M, Shao A, Inoue T, Kreider RB. Analysis of the efficacy, safety, and regulatory status of novel forms of creatine.→8ArticleFull article: Creatine in women’s health: bridging the gap from menstruation through pregnancy to menopauseNotably, in fetal sheep studies, ... creatinesupplementation on in-utero cerebral development appear minimal and do not cause any significant disturbances to cognitive behavior in offspring. With a focus on establishing the safety profile of supplementationduringpregnancy, creatine ...→10ArticleCreatine & pregnancy – good for baby’s brain - Hudson Institute of Medical Research“HIE can cause cerebral palsy, ... that in pregnancies where the fetus is deprived of oxygen, creatine could be beneficial.” · Dr Stacey Ellery and 10month old son Archie. Picture: Ian Currie · Dr Stacey Ellery heads Hudson Institute’s world-leading creatine research. She says its safety is well-established, and her team is actively researching how much creatine gets from the mother’s system to the baby’s, to optimise supplementation in ...→
Are the Benefits the Same as in Non-Pregnant Adults?
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Different Focus: In non-pregnant adults, creatine is mainly used for muscle strength, exercise performance, and sometimes cognitive benefits. In pregnancy, the focus shifts to supporting placental and fetal energy needs, protecting against hypoxic injury, and possibly supporting maternal energy metabolism.
4ArticleCreatine in Health and Disease - PMCMaternal creatinesupplementation ... may improve reproductive and/or perinatal outcomes [7,277,278,279,280,283,284,286,288]. However, it should be noted that research on the role of creatinesupplementationinpregnantwomen is limited....→8ArticleFull article: Creatine in women’s health: bridging the gap from menstruation through pregnancy to menopauseNotably, in fetal sheep studies, ... creatinesupplementation on in-utero cerebral development appear minimal and do not cause any significant disturbances to cognitive behavior in offspring. With a focus on establishing the safety profile of supplementationduringpregnancy, creatine ...→14ArticleCreatine in women's health: bridging the gap from menstruation through pregnancy to menopause - PubMedBackground: Creatine supplementation in women has gained attention for its potential benefits beyond muscle growth, including reproductive health, cognitive health and aging. Women exhibit distinct physiological differences from men, influenced by hormonal fluctuations during pre-menopause, pregnancy...→15ArticleCreatine Supplementation in Women’s Health: A Lifespan Perspective - PMCDespite extensive research on creatine, evidence for use among females is understudied. Creatine characteristics vary between males and females, with females exhibiting 70–80% lower endogenous creatine stores compared to males. Understanding ...→16ArticleCreatine Supplementation in Women's Health: A Lifespan Perspective - PubMedDespite extensive research on creatine, evidence for use among females is understudied. Creatine characteristics vary between males and females, with females exhibiting 70-80% lower endogenous creatine stores compared to males. Understanding creatine metabolism pre- and post-menopause yields ...→
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Unique Pregnancy Needs: Pregnancy increases metabolic demands, and creatine metabolism adapts during gestation. The placenta and uterus can synthesize creatine, and maternal dietary intake may become more important, especially in late pregnancy.
1ArticleCreatine Metabolism in Female Reproduction, Pregnancy and Newborn Health - PMCThe recently conducted Acceptability ... families and healthcare providers, concluding that creatine would be an acceptable supplementduringpregnancy provided they were given evidence-based assurances of efficacy and safety....→4ArticleCreatine in Health and Disease - PMCMaternal creatinesupplementation ... may improve reproductive and/or perinatal outcomes [7,277,278,279,280,283,284,286,288]. However, it should be noted that research on the role of creatinesupplementationinpregnantwomen is limited....→9ArticleCreatine Metabolism in Female Reproduction, Pregnancy and Newborn Health - PubMedCreatine and pregnancy outcomes, a prospective cohort study in low-risk pregnantwomen: study protocol.→12ArticleCreatine and pregnancy outcomes: a prospective cohort study of creatine metabolism in low-risk pregnant females - ScienceDirectPhysiological adaptations during pregnancy alter nutrient and energy metabolism. Creatine may be important for maintaining cellular energy homeostasis…→13ArticleCreatine and pregnancy outcomes: a prospective cohort study of creatine metabolism in low-risk pregnant females - PubMedAlthough maternal plasma creatine concentrations were highly conserved, creatine metabolism appears to adjust throughout pregnancy. An ability to maintain creatine concentrations through diet and shifts in endogenous synthesis may impact fetal growth. This trial was registered at [registry ...→
- No Evidence for Athletic Benefits in Pregnancy: There is no research supporting the use of creatine for athletic performance or muscle building during pregnancy.
Gaps and Ongoing Research
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Lack of RCTs: No large human trials have tested creatine supplementation for fetal or maternal outcomes in pregnancy, so definitive recommendations cannot be made.
4ArticleCreatine in Health and Disease - PMCMaternal creatinesupplementation ... may improve reproductive and/or perinatal outcomes [7,277,278,279,280,283,284,286,288]. However, it should be noted that research on the role of creatinesupplementationinpregnantwomen is limited....→17ArticleCreatine for women in pregnancy for neuroprotection of the fetus - PMCThere were no studies in the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register. We found no randomised controlled trials for inclusion in the review. We found no randomised controlled trials for inclusion in the review. We identified no randomised controlled trials assessing the benefits and harms of creatine ...→18ArticleCreatine for women in pregnancy for neuroprotection of the fetus | CochraneThis review did not find any randomised controlled trials that looked at whether creatine, given to a mother in pregnancy, can help protect her baby's brain. The developingfetal brain is very vulnerable to injury, which may arise from infection in the uterus, insufficient blood flow to the ...→
cochrane.org
19ArticleAcceptability of dietary or nutritional supplementation in pregnancy (ADONS) – Exploring the consumer's perspective on introducing creatine monohydrate as a pregnancy supplement - ScienceDirectHealth professionals would require detailed safety, beneficence, and efficacy information before recommending creatinesupplementation. They would also be more likely to recommend a new supplement in higher-risk pregnancies, where benefits may outweigh any perceived side-effects.→ -
Acceptability: Studies show that pregnant women and healthcare providers are open to creatine supplementation if safety and efficacy are established.
1ArticleCreatine Metabolism in Female Reproduction, Pregnancy and Newborn Health - PMCThe recently conducted Acceptability ... families and healthcare providers, concluding that creatine would be an acceptable supplementduringpregnancy provided they were given evidence-based assurances of efficacy and safety....→19ArticleAcceptability of dietary or nutritional supplementation in pregnancy (ADONS) – Exploring the consumer's perspective on introducing creatine monohydrate as a pregnancy supplement - ScienceDirectHealth professionals would require detailed safety, beneficence, and efficacy information before recommending creatinesupplementation. They would also be more likely to recommend a new supplement in higher-risk pregnancies, where benefits may outweigh any perceived side-effects.→20ArticleAcceptability of dietary or nutritional supplementation in pregnancy (ADONS) - Exploring the consumer's perspective on introducing creatine monohydrate as a pregnancy supplement - PubMedBackground: Pre-clinical studies suggest maternal dietary creatinesupplementation during pregnancy could protect babies against hypoxic intrapartum events, however creatine has not been used as a supplement in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to explore pregnantwomen and healthcare ...→
Summary
- Creatine is considered safe for women of reproductive age and has a strong safety profile in non-pregnant adults, but specialized safety studies in pregnant women are still needed.
- Animal and early human studies suggest creatine may benefit fetal and placental health, especially in pregnancies at risk for oxygen deprivation, but routine supplementation in pregnancy is not yet standard practice.
- The benefits of creatine in pregnancy are focused on fetal development and protection, not muscle or athletic performance.
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If you are considering creatine supplementation during pregnancy, it might be beneficial to discuss this with your OB/GYN or maternal-fetal medicine specialist, who can work with you based on your specific medical history and evolving research.
1ArticleCreatine Metabolism in Female Reproduction, Pregnancy and Newborn Health - PMCThe recently conducted Acceptability ... families and healthcare providers, concluding that creatine would be an acceptable supplementduringpregnancy provided they were given evidence-based assurances of efficacy and safety....→2ArticleCreatine and pregnancy: what you need to knowGiven the benefits for mother and baby, Dr Stacey Ellery and her team are investigating the optimal level of creatineduringpregnancy, including creatinesupplementation. This is the first safety study of creatine conducted in human pregnancy.→3ArticleCreatine supplement safe for women - Hudson IntsituteOur bodies make the other half naturally. During pregnancy, creatine is transferred from mother to baby through the placenta. Creatine is also a common nutritional supplement used to enhance exercise and athletic performance. It’s safety profile has mostly been studied in males.→4ArticleCreatine in Health and Disease - PMCMaternal creatinesupplementation ... may improve reproductive and/or perinatal outcomes [7,277,278,279,280,283,284,286,288]. However, it should be noted that research on the role of creatinesupplementationinpregnantwomen is limited....→