Dietary creatine and carcinogenic biomarkers in adult population

Abstract

Background: Several reports suggest potential cytotoxic effects of creatine, possibly due to its role in facilitating the formation of food-borne chemical carcinogenic compounds. Aim: This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationship between creatine consumption and various carcinogenic biomarkers in blood and urine among individuals aged 18 years and older, utilizing data from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods: Daily creatine intake was assessed using the Dietary Data databases, which were compiled from individual in-person 24-h food recall interviews. The concentrations of carcinogenic compounds (heterocyclic amines, acrylamide, and formaldehyde) were extracted from NHANES 2013–2014 Laboratory Data database. Results: The final analysis included 1763 adult respondents, of whom 907 (51.4%) were female. The mean daily creatine intake was 0.83 ± 0.77 grams (95% CI, from 0.80 to 0.87). Regression analysis revealed no significant relationship between daily creatine intake and most carcinogenic biomarkers, except for a significant correlation (Model 1) between creatine intake and acrylamide levels (B = −3.999, ß = −0.088, p = 0.05). Model 2 (demographics) confirmed a significant relationship between daily creatine intake and circulating acrylamide (B = −3.490, ß = −0.077, p = 0.02), as well as for blood levels of glycidamide (B = −2.992, ß = −0.068, p = 0.05) and urinary 2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (B = 0.190, ß = 0.088, p = 0.03). However, no correlation between creatine consumption and any carcinogenic biomarkers remained significant after adjusting for nutritional factors (Model 3) (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, the consumption of dietary creatine may be considered safe and not associated with increased levels of above carcinogens in the general population.