Educational content only. Not medical advice, and no doctor-patient relationship is created. Read the medical disclaimer
Not a peptide · amino acid derivative
Creatine
Also known as: Creatine monohydrate
The best-studied supplement there is, and a quiet hero for protecting muscle during weight loss.
Tier 1 · Prescribe today
Grade B · Strong evidence, different label
Educational content only, not medical advice. Discussion here does not mean this therapy is prescribed by Youthful Medicine or available to you. Read the medical disclaimer
U.S. regulatory status
Dietary supplement; no prescription needed. Choose products with third-party testing.
What it is
Creatine is made from amino acids and stored in muscle and brain as phosphocreatine, a rapid energy reserve.
How it is thought to work
It refuels ATP during short, intense effort, which allows more training and better muscle maintenance.
Animations simplify biology for teaching. They are not a claim that this peptide works this way in people.
What the research shows
Hundreds of trials support gains in strength and lean mass with resistance training, including in older adults.
Safety and considerations
Very safe in healthy people. It can raise creatinine on a blood test without harming the kidneys, so tell your clinician you take it. Ask first if you have kidney disease.
Our position
We say it out loud: an inexpensive tub of creatine has better human evidence than most peptides people ask about.
Video lesson
AT A GLANCE
Quadrant
Metabolic & Obesity Health
Tier
Tier 1 · Prescribe today
Evidence grade
Grade B · Strong evidence, different label
Last reviewed
Is this right for you?
Only a physician who has evaluated you can answer that. Consultations are with licensed Youthful Medicine providers.
Never use products labeled “research use only” or “not for human use.” Purity, dose and sterility are unverified.