Most people know creatine as a supplement for building muscle, but it offers powerful benefits that go far beyond the gym. A board-certified doctor highlights three lesser-known reasons to take creatine daily for a healthier, longer life. Dr. Darshan Shah, MD, in an Instagram reel explains that Creatine is a "longevity molecule" that supports more than just your physique. It can have a significant impact on overall health and aging. What Is Creatine? Creatine is a natural source of energy that helps your muscles flex and contract, it also helps keep a steady supply of energy in your muscles when you are exercising. The Cleveland clinic explains that our body’s creatine supply comes from our diet, from protein rich foods such as: Red meatSea foodAnimal milk The other half comes from our liver, kidney and pancreas and they supply about 95% of the creatine your body makes to the skeletal muscles, while the rest goes to the heart, brain and other tissues. So are they safe? Studies have shown that it is safe for people to take creatine supplements, however, there are other factors like how preexisting conditions could be affected by creatine intake. Why Creatine Is Recommended For Longevity Dr Darshan explains that Creatine is a "longevity molecule" that supports more than just your physique. It can have a significant impact on overall health and aging. Blood Sugar Regulation Creatine can help your body manage blood sugar levels and improve how it responds to insulin, especially when combined with exercise. This can be crucial for metabolic health as you age. Brain Health Just as it fuels your muscles, creatine also powers your brain. It may help with memory, improve mental clarity, and even offer protection against diseases that affect the brain over time. Mood Support Research shows creatine can help reduce symptoms of depression, particularly in women. This benefit makes it a powerful tool for mental well-being as well. How Much Creatine Is Safe For Kidneys? Harvard Health explains that creatine monohydrate is the most common and well-researched form of the supplement. Other forms don’t seem to offer any added benefits. The typical recommended dose is 3 to 5 grams per day. Taking higher doses doesn't provide more benefits and may put extra stress on your kidneys. While the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements for accuracy, creatine is generally considered safe. However, there have been cases of creatine affecting kidney health of people. A 2010 case study published in NDT Plus, presented the case of a previously healthy 18-year-old man who was taking creatine supplements for bodybuilding developed severe nausea, vomiting, and a stomach ache. Doctors diagnosed him with sudden kidney failure. A kidney biopsy showed that he had acute tubular necrosis, a condition where the kidney tissue is damaged. This type of damage had not been previously linked to creatine use in medical literature. The patient's kidney function returned to normal 25 days after he stopped taking the creatine. This case suggests that even the recommended doses of creatine can potentially harm the kidneys. It highlights the importance of warning anyone taking this supplement about the possible side effect of kidney damage and recommends regular monitoring of their kidney health. Why Should Adults Have Creatine? Beyond these points, creatine has been shown to support other key areas of healthy aging. It aids in preserving muscle mass as you get older, boosts cellular energy and mitochondrial health, and helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. For anyone over 35, creatine is one of the most researched, safest, and effective supplements for staying strong, sharp, and functional as you age.