Systematic review and meta-analysis of oral creatine on adult lipid profiles

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Frontiers in Medicine Published May 8, 2026 Medically reviewed May 8, 2026 DOI ↗ By Dr. Amelia Tan, PhD · Internal Medicine & Chronic Disease

Key Takeaway

Consider that oral creatine supplementation shows no significant effect on adult lipid profiles in available trials.

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials examining oral creatine supplementation in adults. The scope was to synthesize evidence on effects on blood lipid profile parameters, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C. The authors found no statistically significant effects for any lipid parameter. For total cholesterol, the mean difference was 2.9 mg/dL (95% CI −7.44 to 13.24). For LDL-C, the mean difference was 4.08 mg/dL (95% CI −2.55 to 10.70). For HDL-C, the mean difference was −0.68 mg/dL (95% CI −3.94 to 2.59). For triglycerides, the mean difference was 7.95 mg/dL (95% CI −13.73 to 29.63). The authors note very low certainty for total cholesterol and triglycerides, and low certainty for LDL-C and HDL-C. Methodological limitations were identified in the randomization and reporting of results processes. Adverse events were not reported. The authors conclude that creatine supplementation does not meaningfully alter lipid profiles in adults, but the evidence is limited and uncertain.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedMay 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

IntroductionCreatine, recognized for its regulatory functions in various metabolic tissues, has aroused interest regarding its systemic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of creatine supplementation on blood lipid profile parameters.MethodsA systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines (CRD420251025690). Searches were conducted in EMBASE, Lilacs, CINAHL, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to June 2025. Randomized clinical trials involving adults receiving oral creatine supplementation versus placebo were included. The outcomes analyzed included triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, and certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system.ResultsWe selected 8 RCTs. Pooled analyses demonstrated no statistically significant effects of creatine supplementation on total cholesterol (MD: 2.9 mg/dL; 95% CI: −7.44 to 13.24; I2 = 46%), LDL-C cholesterol (MD: 4.08 mg/dL; 95% CI: −2.55 to 10.70; I2 = 8%), HDL-C (MD: −0.68 mg/dL; 95% CI: −3.94 to 2.59; I2 = 0%), or triglycerides (MD: 7.95 mg/dL; 95% CI: −13.73 to 29.63; I2 = 55%). The certainty of evidence was classified as very low for total cholesterol and triglycerides and low for LDL-C and HDL-C. Methodological limitations were identified in the randomization and reporting of results processes.ConclusionCreatine supplementation did not demonstrate clinically relevant effects on lipid profiles. Future studies with greater methodological rigor and larger samples are recommended for definitive confirmation of these findings.