Creatine and libido: myth or reality?

It is sometimes heard that creatine intake could boost libido. Between misconceptions, indirect effects related to physical fitness, and rare scientific studies, what do we really know about the link between creatine and libido?

We tell you all about it in this article!

Understanding the role of creatine in the body

Creatine is a molecule naturally produced by the body from essential amino acids and amino acids like glycine. Stored mainly in muscles as phosphocreatine, it serves as a quick fuel for ATP production, the energy used in every muscle contraction.

Creatine supplementation, most often in the form of creatine monohydrate, increases muscle stores, thereby improving athletic performance, recovery, and muscle mass in the long term.

Creatine, libido, and testosterone: what science says

The key question is whether taking creatine has a direct impact on testosterone levels, a hormone associated with, among other things, libido.

• A frequently cited scientific study, conducted by Van Der Merwe in 2009 on rugby players, suggests a slight increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an active derivative of testosterone, after a loading phase (25 g/day for 7 days) followed by a maintenance phase (5 g/day for 14 days).
• However, most other research observes no significant change in testosterone or DHT levels in healthy male subjects.

In short: nothing confirms that creatine directly promotes libido through a hormonal mechanism.

Possible indirect effects

While creatine does not directly affect desire, it can improve certain factors that do influence sexual life:

• Physical condition: by improving strength and endurance, it can increase self-confidence and general vitality.
• Overall health: good muscle mass and improved energy metabolism contribute to a favorable state of fitness for a healthy libido.
• Reduced fatigue: optimized recovery can also have an indirect impact on the energy available for other activities…

Misconceptions and precautions

Some beliefs associate creatine with a decrease in libido due to alleged negative effects on kidney function, weight gain, or water retention.

However, scientific studies on healthy adults show that creatine, when consumed at recommended doses, is safe in the long term and does not affect kidney function.

In summary

Creatine is not an aphrodisiac and has no proven direct effect on libido. It primarily acts as a dietary supplement to improve physical performance and recovery, which can, indirectly, contribute to better general fitness and, by rebound, a more fulfilling libido.

Scientific sources

1. Van Der Merwe J, Brooks NE, Myburgh KH. Three weeks of creatine monohydrate supplementation affects dihydrotestosterone to testosterone ratio in college-aged rugby players. Clin J Sport Med. 2009.
2. Kreider RB et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017.
3. Candow DG et al. Creatine supplementation in aging populations: effects on skeletal muscle, bone and brain. Amino Acids. 2014.