Is it safe for a healthy 30-year-old female with a new diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to take a creatine supplement?

From the Research

For a healthy 30-year-old female recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), it is recommended to consult with a neurologist before taking creatine supplements, as the current evidence is limited and inconclusive regarding its safety and efficacy in MS patients. The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2022 1, which suggests that creatine metabolism may be dysfunctional in MS, indicating a potential role for exogenous creatine as an adjunct therapeutic agent. However, this study is a review and not a clinical trial, and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of creatine supplementation in MS patients.

Some studies have investigated the use of creatine supplements in healthy individuals and athletes, with mixed results regarding its efficacy and safety 2, 3, 4. However, these studies may not be directly applicable to MS patients, as MS is a complex and debilitating neurodegenerative disease with unique pathophysiological mechanisms.

Potential side effects of creatine supplementation include water retention, digestive discomfort, and kidney stress, which could complicate MS symptoms or treatment 2, 4. Additionally, the quality of creatine products can vary, and there is a concern about impurities or doses higher or lower than those on the labeling 3, 4.

In pediatric populations, including children and adolescents, creatine supplementation has been shown to be safe and effective in improving exercise performance, with limited evidence of adverse events 5. However, this evidence may not be directly applicable to adult MS patients.

In summary, while creatine supplementation may have potential benefits and is generally considered safe for most healthy adults, its use in MS patients requires caution and medical consultation due to the limited and inconclusive evidence regarding its safety and efficacy in this population. It is essential for MS patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits of creatine supplementation with their neurologist before starting it.