NOVEMBER 5, 2026
Updated scientific assessment draws on extensive clinical evidence supporting creatine’s safety as its use expands beyond sports nutrition
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the leading trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry, today released an updated scientific assessment reaffirming the safety of creatine monohydrate based on an extensive body of clinical evidence. The evaluation is part of the fourth edition of Vitamin and Mineral Safety, a project funded by a grant from the CRN Foundation, CRN’s educational, research, and philanthropic arm.
The new chapter updates CRN’s previous creatine safety assessment published in 2006, incorporating two decades of additional clinical research. The findings reinforce creatine's established safety profile and come amid growing interest in creatine beyond traditional sports nutrition, including healthy aging, women’s health, and cognitive function.
“The science is clear: creatine has a strong safety record backed by decades of rigorous clinical research,” said Andrea Wong, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Science Officer at CRN. “The latest findings reinforce its strong safety record and demonstrate just how far the science has advanced, providing a solid foundation for evaluating creatine safety as its use expands beyond sports nutrition.”
What the science shows
The updated review included 162 clinical studies, with no serious adverse events attributed to creatine monohydrate supplementation. Building on CRN's 2006 assessment, the findings support increasing the highest observed intake (HOI) for supplemental creatine monohydrate in adults from 5 to 10 grams per day. An HOI represents the highest intake supported by studies of acceptable quality when no adverse health effects have been identified.
Expanding the scope of supplement safety
The addition of creatine builds on CRN's ongoing expansion of Vitamin and Mineral Safety beyond essential micronutrients, to include bioactive compounds widely used in dietary supplements.
“This new chapter reflects our commitment to keeping supplement safety evaluations current with the latest science,” Wong added. “As consumer interest in ingredients like creatine grows, it is important that safety recommendations are based on rigorous scientific evidence.”
About CRN: The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973 and based in Washington, D.C., is the leading trade association representing the dietary supplement and functional food industry. Bringing together manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and service providers, CRN unites its member companies around a shared commitment to science, transparency, and responsible business practices—advancing a strong, credible marketplace that supports consumer health and industry growth.
In an increasingly complex regulatory and media environment, CRN serves as the industry’s front line—shaping science-based policy, defending market access, and countering misinformation. Through strategic advocacy, self-regulatory leadership, voluntary guidelines, and evidence-based communications, CRN ensures that responsible companies are recognized, protected, and positioned to innovate and compete. Learn more at crnusa.org and follow @CRN_Supplements on X and LinkedIn.