Creatine monohydrate
Rated by 11 diets
How the diets react
Diet Ratings
Pure creatine monohydrate is zero carbs, zero calories, zero sugar. Supports muscle performance and cognitive function. Universally accepted in keto protocols.
Synthetic compound produced through chemical synthesis, not derived from animal sources. Vegan-friendly supplement widely accepted by vegan athletes.
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in meat, but creatine monohydrate is a synthesized supplement. Paleo philosophy emphasizes whole foods over isolated supplements, but creatine is not toxic or inflammatory. It's a gray area—not a food, but a performance aid.
Some paleo practitioners accept creatine as a legitimate performance supplement since it's naturally present in meat and has no anti-nutrients or inflammatory properties. Others argue supplements contradict the whole-food philosophy. The Paleo Foundation does not explicitly address creatine.
Synthetic supplement not found in traditional Mediterranean diet. While research shows safety, it contradicts whole-food emphasis. Acceptable for specific athletic goals but not a dietary staple.
Some Mediterranean diet researchers accept creatine supplementation as evidence-based ergogenic aid that doesn't contradict core dietary principles, particularly for muscle preservation in aging.
Creatine is synthesized but not plant-derived. It's a naturally occurring compound found in animal muscle. Most carnivore practitioners accept it as a supplement, though purists debate supplementation.
Strict carnivore ideologues argue that any non-food supplement violates the 'whole food only' principle, even if the compound is animal-derived or synthesized.
Creatine monohydrate is a non-food supplement that does not contain any excluded ingredients. It is a simple chemical compound (creatine + water) with no added sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, or other prohibited items. Supplements are permitted as long as they contain no excluded ingredients.
Pure creatine monohydrate is a non-carbohydrate amino acid derivative. No fermentable carbohydrates. Safe at any dose.
Not a food but a supplement. Supports muscle strength and cardiovascular function in some populations. Generally recognized as safe by NIH. However, DASH guidelines do not address supplementation, and evidence for hypertension benefit is limited. Consult healthcare provider.
NIH DASH guidelines do not address creatine supplementation. Updated clinical interpretation varies: some cardiologists support creatine for muscle preservation in hypertensive patients; others recommend whole food protein sources exclusively. Individual assessment recommended.
Non-caloric supplement with no macronutrient impact. Supports muscle performance and recovery. Neutral to Zone diet; does not interfere with 40/30/30 balance. Well-researched safety profile.
Creatine is not inflammatory and supports muscle function. However, it is a supplement, not a food, and anti-inflammatory diet emphasizes whole foods. Research shows safety, but not inherently anti-inflammatory.
Sports medicine and some functional practitioners view creatine as beneficial for muscle health and recovery. Anti-inflammatory purists argue supplements cannot replace whole food nutrition.
Supports muscle preservation during rapid weight loss on GLP-1s, well-researched safety profile, minimal calories, no protein but synergistic with protein intake and resistance training. Requires adequate hydration (critical for GLP-1 patients). Standard dose 5g daily.
Some GLP-1 specialists recommend creatine as standard for all patients undergoing rapid weight loss to preserve lean mass; others view it as optional and recommend prioritizing whole-food protein first. No clinical consensus on universal recommendation, though safety is well-established.
Controversy Index
Score range: 5–9/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.