How Long Has Creatine Been Around? History & Origins

Introduction
The 19th Century Discovery: Meat and Molecules
The Early 20th Century: Identifying the Energy Cycle
The 1990s: The Olympic Explosion
Separating Fact from Fiction in the Late 90s
The Evolution of Purity and Form
Beyond the Muscle: The Modern Era of Creatine
How to Use Creatine Today
The BUBS Perspective on Purpose and Performance
FAQ

Introduction

If you have spent any time in a weight room or a supplement aisle, you have seen creatine. It is the most researched supplement in the world, often hailed for its ability to help athletes push through those final, difficult repetitions of a set. You might think of it as a modern fitness staple, but its history stretches back much further than the neon-colored tubs on contemporary store shelves. Understanding how long has creatine supplement been around requires a journey from 19th-century French laboratories to the Olympic podiums of the 1990s.

At BUBS Naturals, we believe that knowing where your supplements come from is just as important as knowing what they do for your body. The story of creatine is one of rigorous scientific inquiry and a slow, steady climb into the mainstream. It was not an overnight success, but rather a compound that scientists spent over 150 years studying before it became a household name. This guide will explore the origins of creatine, its rise to fame in the sports world, and how it evolved into the clean, effective tool we use today. If you want to see how we approach performance support today, start with our Creatine Monohydrate and the full Boosts collection.

Our goal is to provide a clear timeline of this essential compound. From its discovery in meat extracts to its current status as a powerhouse for both physical and cognitive health, the history of creatine is a testament to the power of staying power and evidence-based nutrition.

Quick Answer: Creatine was first discovered in 1832 by French scientist Michel Eugène Chevreul. While researchers identified its role in muscle energy by the early 20th century, it did not become a commercially available sports supplement until 1993.

The 19th Century Discovery: Meat and Molecules

The story of creatine begins in 1832. Michel Eugène Chevreul, a French chemist known for his work on fatty acids, was the first to identify the compound. He was exploring the chemical components of skeletal muscle when he managed to isolate a specific organic acid. He named it "creatine," drawing from the Greek word kreas, which simply means "meat." This was a fitting name, as the compound is found naturally in the muscle tissue of almost all vertebrates.

For several decades, creatine remained a curiosity of organic chemistry rather than a focus of fitness. In 1847, another scientist named Justus von Liebig confirmed that creatine was a regular constituent of meat. Liebig’s research took a fascinating turn when he observed that the meat of wild foxes contained significantly more creatine than that of captive foxes. He theorized that the level of physical activity directly influenced the amount of creatine stored in the muscles. This was one of the earliest hints that creatine and exercise were fundamentally linked.

During this era, scientists were primarily focused on identification. They were trying to understand what the human body was made of at a molecular level. They did not yet have the tools to understand the complex energy cycles that we take for granted today. However, these early chemists laid the groundwork for everything that followed. They proved that creatine was not a foreign substance, but a natural part of our biological makeup.

Bottom line: Creatine was identified nearly 200 years ago, initially viewed as a natural component of meat and muscle tissue by European scientists.

The Early 20th Century: Identifying the Energy Cycle

By the early 1900s, the focus shifted from identification to function. Researchers at Harvard University, specifically Otto Folin and Willey Glover Denis, began looking at how dietary intake affected creatine levels. In 1912, they published evidence showing that when people consumed extra creatine, the amount stored in their muscles increased. This was a massive discovery. It proved that the body’s creatine "pool" was not fixed; it could be influenced by what we eat.

In the late 1920s, two significant breakthroughs occurred. First, researchers found that creatine exists in a state of equilibrium with creatinine, which is the waste product the body creates when it uses creatine for energy. Second, in 1927, scientists Cyrus Fiske and Yellapragada Subbarow discovered "phosphocreatine."

To understand the importance of phosphocreatine, we have to look at the energy currency of your cells: Adenosine Triphosphate, or ATP. ATP is the molecule your body uses for every movement, from blinking your eyes to sprinting a hundred yards. When your muscles contract, they break down ATP into Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP). To keep moving, your body needs to turn that ADP back into ATP as quickly as possible.

Phosphocreatine is a "phosphorylated" form of creatine. In plain English, this means it is a creatine molecule holding onto a phosphate group. When you run out of immediate ATP, phosphocreatine steps in and "donates" its phosphate to the ADP, turning it back into usable ATP. This allows you to maintain high-intensity effort for a few seconds longer.

The Science of the "Shuttle"

In the 1960s, scientists identified the enzyme responsible for this energy transfer, known as creatine kinase. They began to describe the "creatine phosphate shuttle." This is the process where creatine acts like a courier, moving energy from the mitochondria (the power plants of the cell) to the actual muscle fibers where the work is happening. If you want a deeper look at the physiology behind that system, our What is Creatine in Your Body for Peak Performance article breaks it down clearly.

This period of research confirmed that creatine was the primary "buffer" for energy in the muscles. It doesn't provide fuel like carbohydrates or fats do over a long period; instead, it acts like a backup battery for short, explosive bursts of power. Even though this science was well-established by the mid-20th century, there was still no way for the average person to buy a creatine supplement.

Key Takeaway: The discovery of phosphocreatine in 1927 changed our understanding of human performance. It revealed that creatine is a storage system for energy, allowing for rapid replenishment of the fuel needed for muscle contractions.

The 1990s: The Olympic Explosion

If creatine has been known since 1832, why did it take until the 1990s to become popular? The answer lies in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. During these games, rumors began to swirl that several high-profile athletes were using a "new" legal supplement to improve their performance.

The most famous name associated with this was Linford Christie, the British sprinter who won the gold medal in the 100-meter dash. Shortly after his victory, it was reported that he had been using supplemental creatine as part of his training regimen. He wasn't the only one; other British track stars, including 400-meter hurdles gold medalist Sally Gunnell, were also linked to the supplement.

At the time, the sports world was reeling from the steroid scandals of the 1988 Seoul Olympics. People were skeptical of anything that promised improved performance. However, because creatine is a natural compound found in food and produced by the human body, it was not—and is not—a banned substance. The 1992 Games acted as the ultimate proof of concept. If the fastest people in the world were using it to gain an edge, the general public wanted it, too.

The Birth of the Commercial Supplement

In 1993, the first commercial creatine supplement designed for strength enhancement hit the market. A company called Experimental and Applied Sciences (EAS) released a product named Phosphagen. This was the first time that pure creatine monohydrate was available in a powdered form that mixed into water or juice.

Before this, the only way to get significant amounts of creatine was to eat massive quantities of red meat or fish. To get five grams of creatine—a standard daily dose—you would have to eat about two and a half pounds of raw steak. The supplement changed the accessibility of the compound, making it possible for anyone to saturate their muscle stores without the caloric load of a massive steak dinner.

Bottom line: While scientists had studied it for a century, the 1992 Olympics served as the catalyst that moved creatine from the laboratory to the gym floor.

Separating Fact from Fiction in the Late 90s

As creatine grew in popularity, so did the misconceptions. In 1998, the supplement was thrust back into the headlines when baseball player Mark McGwire hit 70 home runs in a single season. He mentioned that he used creatine, which led many media outlets to conflate the supplement with performance-enhancing drugs.

This period created a lot of confusion. Many people incorrectly believed that creatine was a steroid or that it would cause long-term kidney damage. Over the next decade, hundreds of clinical studies were conducted to address these concerns. The result was a resounding confirmation of safety. Research consistently showed that for healthy individuals, creatine did not cause organ damage, dehydration, or muscle cramping.

Myth: Creatine is a synthetic steroid that causes kidney damage.
Fact: Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative found in food and produced by your body. Decades of research have shown it is safe for long-term use in healthy individuals when taken at recommended dosages.

The Evolution of Purity and Form

In the early days of creatine supplements, the powders were often gritty and difficult to dissolve. They frequently caused stomach upset because the particles were too large to be absorbed efficiently. As the industry matured, the focus shifted from just providing creatine to providing the cleanest, most "bioavailable" form possible.

Bioavailability refers to how well your body can absorb and use a substance. Most of the early research and the vast majority of the success stories in sports nutrition are based on one specific form: Creatine Monohydrate. While other forms like creatine HCl or buffered creatine have been marketed over the years, none have been proven more effective than the original monohydrate.

Today, the standard for quality is even higher. At BUBS Naturals, we prioritize the purity of our ingredients. We ensure our Creatine Monohydrate is a single-ingredient formula, meaning no fillers, no flavorings, and no additives. This is a far cry from the experimental "cocktails" of the late 90s. We also focus on ensuring the powder is micronized—meaning the particles are smaller—which helps it mix easily into any drink and makes it easier on your digestive system.

Furthermore, we recognize the importance of trust. For many athletes and veterans, knowing that a supplement is free from contaminants is vital. That is why we ensure our products undergo third-party testing, providing a level of transparency that didn't exist when creatine first entered the market in 1993. To learn how that mindset shows up across the brand, visit Our Story.

Bottom line: The supplement has evolved from gritty, questionable powders to highly refined, third-party tested monohydrate that is easy to digest and incredibly pure.

Beyond the Muscle: The Modern Era of Creatine

If you look at the research from the last five to ten years, you will notice a shift. While we still use creatine for strength and power, scientists are now exploring its benefits for the brain. Since the brain is one of the most energy-demanding organs in the body, it also relies on the ATP/phosphocreatine system.

Recent studies suggest that creatine may help with cognitive tasks, especially when someone is sleep-deprived. It is also being researched for its potential to support brain health as we age. This expands the history of creatine from a "muscle builder" to a total-body wellness supplement.

We are also seeing more research into how creatine benefits specific populations. For instance, vegetarians and vegans often have lower baseline levels of creatine because they do not eat meat. For these individuals, supplementation can make a massive difference in both physical performance and general energy levels. Women are also increasingly using creatine to support lean muscle mass and bone health, breaking the old myth that it is "only for bodybuilders." For more on modern creatine science, see our How Do Creatine Supplements Work? guide.

How to Use Creatine Today

If you are looking to add this historically backed supplement to your routine, the process is simpler than it was in the 90s. You don't need a complicated "loading phase" where you take massive amounts for a week, though some people still choose to do that to see results faster.

For most people, a simple daily dose of 5 grams is the gold standard. Consistency is the most important factor. Because creatine works by saturating your muscle cells over time, it is more effective when taken every day, regardless of whether you are training or resting.

Dose: 5 grams (one scoop) per day.
Timing: It doesn't matter much. Some prefer it post-workout, while others mix it into their morning coffee or shake.
Hydration: Creatine draws water into your muscle cells. This is a good thing for muscle fullness and protein synthesis, but it means you should stay on top of your water intake. Adding an electrolyte supplement like our Hydrate or Die® Electrolytes can help maintain that balance.

The BUBS Perspective on Purpose and Performance

The history of creatine shows us that good things take time to prove. It took over a century for science to catch up to what Michel Eugène Chevreul first saw in his lab. At BUBS Naturals, we value that kind of long-term evidence. We don't chase trends; we provide tools that work, backed by decades of data.

Our brand was founded on the legacy of Glen "BUB" Doherty, a Navy SEAL who lived a life of adventure and peak performance. We carry that mission forward by ensuring every product we make, from our collagen to our creatine, meets the highest standards of quality. We believe that if you are going to put something in your body, it should be the best version of that ingredient available.

When you choose our supplements, you aren't just supporting your own health; you are part of a larger mission. We donate 10% of all our profits to veteran-focused charities in honor of Glen. It is our way of ensuring that every scoop you take helps someone else move forward, too. You can read more about that mission in our Our Story page.

Whether you are training for a marathon, a deployment, or just trying to stay sharp at work, creatine has the historical pedigree to help you get there. It is a simple, clean, and effective way to support your body's natural energy systems. For another take on why hydration matters alongside performance, our Essential Hydration: Are Electrolytes Truly Needed? article is a helpful next step.

FAQ

Who discovered creatine?

Creatine was discovered in 1832 by a French chemist named Michel Eugène Chevreul. He isolated it from beef extract and named it after the Greek word for meat, kreas.

When did creatine become a popular supplement?

Creatine became widely popular following the 1992 Barcelona Olympics after athletes like Linford Christie were reported to be using it. The first commercial sports supplement version was released in 1993 by the company EAS.

Is creatine monohydrate the same as it was in the 90s?

The core molecule, creatine monohydrate, is the same, but the manufacturing and purity have improved significantly. Modern versions, like ours, are often micronized for better solubility and are third-party tested to ensure they are free of contaminants.

Was creatine ever banned in sports?

No, creatine has never been banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) or the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Because it is a natural compound found in meat and produced by the body, it is considered a legal and safe dietary supplement.

How Long Has Creatine Supplement Been Around?

Table of Contents

Introduction

The 19th Century Discovery: Meat and Molecules