Is Daily Creatine Safe? A Doctor Explains Long-Term Use

Cambridge, Massachusetts – January 7, 2026 – The allure of a rapid boost in strength and endurance has fueled a surge in creatine use, particularly on social media. But is popping a daily creatine supplement a harmless habit, or could there be hidden long-term risks?

Creatine supplements, when combined with an appropriate workout routine, can enhance high-intensity exercise performance and build lean body mass.

• Creatine’s long-term safety hinges on product quality and individual health.
• Third-party certifications (NSF,USP) are crucial for verifying supplement accuracy.
• Creatine isn’t universally effective; roughly one in three people won’t experience muscle benefits.
• Individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions should avoid creatine supplementation.

We spoke with Pieter Cohen, MD, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard medical School and general internist at Cambridge Health Alliance, to unpack the science and potential pitfalls of long-term creatine use.

Is Daily Creatine Use Safe Over the Long Haul?

Cohen cautions that simply reaching for a creatine supplement isn’t enough. “Let’s take a step back,” he says. “Before even starting a creatine supplement, you need to make sure you have the right ingredients and dose.” Unlike prescription or over-the-counter medications like Tylenol, aspirin, and Prilosec, dietary supplements lack rigorous quality control. studies consistently re

people have chronic kidney damage, too much protein is not good,” cohen explains. “Creatine is like a micro-protein-it’s a few amino acids-so I could see where that would be a concern.”

Cohen also advises against creatine use for adolescents. “We are not sure how this supplement affects the growing body.”

Creatine isn’t a magic bullet.Its effectiveness varies substantially from person to person, and quality control within the supplement industry remains a major concern.