The Review: “Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Females Taking Oral Creatine Monohydrate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”

Creatine monohydrate (CrM) is widely used as a supplement to boost muscle health and energy, but questions about its safety for women—particularly postmenopausal women—have largely gone unanswered. This comprehensive study is the first to closely examine CrM’s safety specifically in females, analyzing 29 studies with a total of 951 female participants, seven of which focused on postmenopausal women. The researchers evaluated a range of health outcomes including adverse effects, potential changes in kidney and liver function, gastrointestinal issues, and body weight. The results provide new insights and greater peace of mind for women considering CrM as part of their health regimen.

Study Quality and Methods

Following the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, the researchers used clear inclusion and exclusion criteria to choose studies and had multiple reviewers independently assess each study to reduce bias. This approach adds confidence to the results, making this a highly reliable study on CrM’s safety for women. By combining data from various studies and applying careful statistical analysis, the authors created a clear picture of how CrM affects women.

Key Findings for Aging Women

The study’s findings are both comprehensive and encouraging for postmenopausal women considering CrM:

Safety Profile – No Serious Risks

Across all 29 studies, which included women from ages 16 to 67, there were no deaths or serious adverse effects linked to CrM use. In fact, adverse effects in CrM users were no higher than in those taking a placebo. This included mild gastrointestinal (GI) issues, which appeared at similar rates in both CrM and placebo groups. Furthermore, there were no significant changes in kidney or liver function, suggesting that CrM does not harm these essential organs when used as directed. The overall risk ratio (RR) for adverse events was 1.24, meaning CrM did not raise the chance of side effects compared to a placebo.

Body Weight and Composition – No Weight Gain

Weight gain is a common concern for many women considering CrM, particularly aging women. This study found “no difference in mean weight between groups, pre-intervention to post-intervention,” indicating that CrM is unlikely to cause weight gain. Specifically, the mean weight difference was just 1.37 kg (or about 3 pounds) between CrM and placebo groups, which was not statistically significant. This provides reassurance that CrM does not appear to affect body weight in a way that would cause concern for women.

Long-Term Safety for Postmenopausal Women

The study also looked at longer-term use, which is particularly relevant for aging women. In a year-long study by Chilibeck et al. (2015), no safety issues were found in participants taking CrM. Other studies, such as Gualano et al. (2014), reported that CrM helped improve lean muscle mass, which can be beneficial for maintaining strength and mobility as women age. Lobo et al. (2015) showed that even long-term, low-dose CrM use did not cause any negative effects on the liver or kidneys, providing further evidence of its safety for older women.

Why This Matters for Women

This research addresses an important gap in health studies, which often overlook women’s unique responses to supplements. For postmenopausal women, the study offers substantial reassurance about CrM’s safety and benefits. As women age, preserving muscle mass, strength, and organ health becomes increasingly important, and CrM appears to support these goals without significant side effects.

In conclusion, the study supports that creatine monohydrate “does not appear to cause weight gain, nor adversely impact other major organ systems” when used in recommended doses. For older women, this means CrM could be a safe and effective supplement for muscle maintenance, energy, and overall wellness. However, the authors recommend that future studies continue to monitor potential side effects to further strengthen our understanding of CrM’s long-term safety.

You can find the study here: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/6/1780

 

About The Review

As part of The Next Chapter, our dedicated women’s health blog, we strive to empower our readers by bridging the gap between complex scientific research and practical understanding. The Review is our mini-series of literature reviews, where we dive into the science behind creatine supplementation and other relevant postmenopausal health subjects. By breaking down the latest findings from the scientific community, we aim to help our customers make informed decisions about how cheap and effective supplementation can support their health and well-being.