February 24, 2026, 10:01 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Creatine is primarily known as a dietary supplement. However, we also consume it through food. The substance is mainly found in meat and fish. In an observational study from 2025, researchers aimed to investigate whether there is a link between dietary creatine intake and cancer. The results suggest a statistical connection but do not allow conclusions about cause and effect.
What Was Investigated in the Study?
Researchers analyzed data from a large U.S. health study to examine whether the amount of creatine from a regular diet is associated with the occurrence of cancer.1
The substance is a naturally occurring compound that is primarily absorbed through meat and fish and plays an important role in cellular energy supply. It is also popular as a dietary supplement among athletes.
The analysis was based on data from 25,879 adults aged 20 and older from the NHANES health study from 2007 to 2018. Participants provided detailed accounts of what they ate on two different days. From this information, the average creatine intake was calculated. Additionally, it was recorded whether they had ever reported being diagnosed with cancer.
In their evaluation, the researchers considered numerous influencing factors, including age, gender, body weight (BMI), smoking habits, alcohol consumption, physical activity, as well as several pre-existing conditions and certain blood values.
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The Results
In the overall group, a statistically significant but moderate connection was observed: People with higher dietary creatine intake reported having had cancer less frequently than those with lower intake. In comparing groups with very low and very high intake, the proportion was about 11 out of 100 people versus approximately 9 out of 100 people.
However, the connection was not equally pronounced in all groups:
- The connection was more pronounced in men than in women.
- Among overweight individuals, higher creatine intake was also associated with less frequent cancer occurrences.
- In older adults, the connection was mainly observed in the highest range of creatine intake.
- In underweight individuals, however, an inverse relationship was observed: Cancer occurrences were more frequent with higher creatine intake. The authors suspect that factors such as malnutrition or existing conditions may play a role in this small group.
Regardless of diet, the frequency of cancer increased significantly with age. Older adults were much more affected than younger adults.
What Does the Study Mean?
The study shows a statistical connection between higher creatine intake from food and less frequently reported cancer occurrences. However, it cannot prove that creatine prevents cancer.
It is also important to note: Only creatine from a regular diet was recorded, not from dietary supplements. Additionally, this is an observational study. It is conceivable that people reduce their meat and fish consumption after a cancer diagnosis, resulting in lower creatine levels afterward.
The authors emphasize that further long-term studies are needed to determine whether creatine itself plays a protective role or if the observed connections are more indicative of an overall different dietary or health behavior.
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