Can Creatine Help Lower Cancer Risk?

Creatine is well-known for enhancing muscle growth and cognitive function, but emerging research suggests it may also play a role in cancer prevention. A new study analyzing over a decade of U.S. health data has uncovered a surprising link between higher creatine intake and a lower risk of cancer—with even stronger benefits as you age.

The Link Between Creatine and Cancer Prevention

Researchers studied data from more than 25,000 adults, focusing on their dietary creatine intake—primarily from meat and fish—and its correlation with cancer incidence. The findings were striking:

✅ Individuals with the highest creatine intake had a significantly lower cancer risk compared to those with the lowest intake.
✅ Both men and women benefited, but the protective effect was even greater for men and older adults.
✅ For every 0.09g increase in creatine intake, cancer risk dropped by 7% in males—and 14% in those in their 70s and 80s.

How Does Creatine Offer Protection?

Scientists believe creatine may reduce cancer risk by:

🔹 Enhancing cellular energy metabolism, keeping cells functioning optimally
🔹 Reducing oxidative stress, which can damage DNA and trigger cancer development
🔹 Supporting mitochondrial function, preventing harmful mutations
🔹 Acting as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that contribute to cancer risk
🔹 Regulating immune responses, potentially preventing abnormal cell growth

What About Creatine Supplements?

This study only examined dietary creatine from food sources, meaning it did not include creatine supplementation—which provides a much higher dose than what’s naturally found in food. Since the research suggests a dose-dependent effect, supplemental creatine could be even more protective, but further studies are needed to confirm this.

More Than Just Muscle

If you’re already taking creatine for strength, cognition, or recovery, you may also be reducing your long-term cancer risk. And as past research has debunked myths about creatine, it does not harm the kidneys or increase body fat—in fact, it may improve kidney health.

The science is still evolving, but creatine’s benefits continue to go far beyond the gym.