Peer-reviewed study
Creatine works best as training support
Impact of creatine supplementation and exercise training in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Kris Oddo, NASM-certified personal trainer, is the founder and head coach of Gains From Geebs (Geebs Coaching), a 1:1 online fitness coaching practice.
Quick answer
What this study found
Creatine belongs next to a progressive training plan. The supplement is not the stimulus; the workouts still are.
How strong is this kind of study?
- Reviews of many studiesThis study
- Controlled trials
- Observational
- Narrative reviews
Systematic review and meta-analysis. Heavier plates are built from more studies, so they move less when the next one lands.
At a glance
What kind of study this is
Strongest evidence
This pools results from many separate studies, so it carries more weight than any single trial on its own.
- Design
- Systematic review and meta-analysis
- Published
- 2025
- Journal
- European Review of Aging and Physical Activity
- Reference
- PMID 41062952
Honest limits
What this study does not prove.
Creatine does not replace lifting or nutrition. Your health history may make clinician input important before supplement use.
Kris's practical takeaway
Here's what to do with it.
Creatine belongs next to a progressive training plan. The supplement is not the stimulus; the workouts still are.
Ways to use it
Safe ways to apply it.
Creatine does not train for you
Use creatine alongside a consistent plan
Older adults still need progressive work
Related questions
Questions this research helps answer.
Creatine aging answer
Does creatine help aging adults?
Creatine may help support training-related outcomes in older adults, but it works best as support for a strength plan, not as a replacement for one. The boring stack still wins: lift, eat enough protein, sleep, and stay consistent.
Creatine cognition answer
Does creatine help brain aging?
Creatine has aging and cognition research worth following, but it is not a brain-aging cure. It is a possible support for training, sleep, and nutrition — not a replacement for those basics or for medical care.
Related guides and studies
Keep learning about anti-aging.
FAQ
Quick questions
What is the practical takeaway from this study?
Creatine belongs next to a progressive training plan. The supplement is not the stimulus; the workouts still are.
What does this study not prove?
Creatine does not replace lifting or nutrition. Your health history may make clinician input important before supplement use.
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