Kreider, R., Rasmussen, C., Melton, C., Greenwood, M., Stroud, T., Ransom, J., Cantler, E., Milnor, P., & Almada, A. (2000). Long-term creatine supplementation does not adversely affect clinical markers of health. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32(5), Supplement abstract 547.

College football players (N = 100) elected to use creatine supplementation (15.75 gm/d for 5 days and then 5-8 gm/d) or a non-creatine carbohydrate/protein supplement. Injuries were recorded by the athletic training staff. During and after 12 months, blood and urine samples were taken from groups of 17 athletes in each condition.

There were no differences between groups in clinical markers. There was no increased incidence of injuries or cramping in the creatine group.

Implication. One year of monitored creatine supplementation did not affect health status markers any more than that in similarly trained athletes.

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