Creatine is most recognized as a sports supplement.

Creatine also has someanti-inflammatoryand antioxidant properties and even plays a role in immune regulation.

Because of these effects, theres been interest in whether the compound has a protective effect on cancer.

Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN

All mammals store creatine in their muscles.

So when we eat meat, poultry, and seafood, were also ingesting some creatine.

Participants also recorded whether theyve ever been diagnosed with cancer or with having a cancerous tumor.

Overhead of chicken breast on salad with green beans

Overall, data from 25,879 participants were included in the final analysis.

What does typical dietary creatine intake look like?

Overall, higherdietary creatine intakemainly from meatwas associated withlower cancer riskespecially for older adults.

Why might creatine be protective?

And its important to note that the benefits we listed above were specifically linked to creatine.

What about creatine supplements?

The takeaway

This is one of the first large-scale studies to examine creatine intake and cancer risk.

For more on how creatine helps you get your health back on track,check out this guide.