Your body makes creatine

PRINCE GEORGE – Creatine is more than just a gym supplement. It’s a compound your body makes naturally and uses every day.

Pharmacist Brianna Pallot says the liver, kidneys, and pancreas all make creatine, and you can also find it in foods like red meat, poultry, seafood, and fish. Its main job is to fuel short, intense bursts of activity, like lifting, sprinting, or climbing stairs, by helping muscles quickly replenish the energy they expend.

Pallot says new research suggests that creatine may help support brain health, but she urges caution for anyone considering taking supplements. Since creatine is filtered out by the kidneys, people with reduced kidney function could be at risk of buildup. That’s why it’s important to talk to a pharmacist or doctor before adding anything new to your routine.