EARLY ACCESS
Grade A Meta analysis Featured

Creatine Monohydrate and Lean Mass Gains: A Meta-Analysis of 53 RCTs

Comprehensive meta-analysis of creatine monohydrate supplementation effects on lean muscle mass across 53 randomized controlled trials.

Published 2023 30 views DOI: 10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z

[STUDY DETAILS]

Study Type
Meta analysis
Quality Grade
A
Publication Year
2023

Summary

This meta-analysis of 53 RCTs (n=1,847) found creatine monohydrate significantly increases lean mass when combined with resistance training. Pooled effect size was moderate-to-large (SMD = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.52-0.78).

Key Findings

1. Average lean mass increase of 1.4 kg vs placebo
2. Effects consistent across ages 18-65
3. Loading phase speeds initial results but similar long-term outcomes
4. No significant adverse effects reported