Creatine has officially gone mainstream, but is it actually worth the hype?

Once known as a “gym bro” supplement, creatine is now trending across TikTok and Instagram for everything from muscle growth to brain health and longevity. In this episode of Health vs. Hype with the American Medical Association, host Trace Dominguez cuts through the noise to answer two simple questions: what does creatine really do and who should be taking it?

Featuring insights from Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jason Mitchell, fitness influencer Tony Coffey, and twin sisters, Cynthia Heyd and Leslie White exploring creatine for healthy aging, this episode breaks down the science behind one of the most researched supplements on the market.

We explore:

• How creatine works in the body and why it boosts performance
• The truth about muscle gain, weight changes, and fat loss claims
• Whether creatine is safe (and who should avoid it)
• The difference between creatine monohydrate and trendy alternatives
• The rising hype around brain health and what the research actually says

Along the way, we unpack common misconceptions, influencer-driven marketing tactics, and the “magic pill” mindset fueling creatine’s viral popularity.