When Did Creatine Come on the Market? A History of Supplementation

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

Creatine first entered the consumer sports nutrition market in 1993, when a product called Phosphagen was introduced by Experimental and Applied Sciences (EAS). This commercial debut, which followed widespread speculation around its use by athletes at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, marked the beginning of its journey to becoming one of the most widely used and scientifically-backed supplements available.

Quick Summary

The commercial sports supplement creatine was introduced in 1993 after gaining notoriety from its use by Olympic athletes in 1992. This popularization followed decades of scientific research, which began with its initial discovery in 1832. Its effectiveness for strength and performance cemented its status in the fitness community.

Key Points

Market Entry: Creatine supplements designed for strength enhancement first became commercially available to the general public in 1993.
First Product: The first commercial supplement was named 'Phosphagen', introduced by the company Experimental and Applied Sciences (EAS).
Catalyst: The public's awareness of creatine was triggered after British athletes reportedly used it during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Discovery: Creatine itself was first discovered much earlier in 1832 by a French chemist.
Safest Form: Creatine monohydrate is the most extensively researched and proven form, considered both safe and effective.
Safety: Extensive research has debunked myths about dehydration or kidney damage in healthy individuals, though temporary water weight gain can occur.

From Laboratory to Locker Room: The Timeline of Creatine

The history of creatine is a journey that spans over 160 years, evolving from a scientific curiosity to a cornerstone of modern sports nutrition. While the 1990s are often cited as the decade creatine hit the mainstream, its story began long before.

The Discovery and Early Research (1832–1920s)

Creatine was first discovered in 1832 by French chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul, who isolated it from skeletal muscle. German scientist Justus von Liebig later confirmed its presence in meat. By the 1920s, scientists identified phosphocreatine as a crucial energy source in muscle cells during high-intensity exercise. This early research laid the foundation for understanding how creatine functions in the body.

The Olympic Catalyst: Barcelona 1992

The 1992 Barcelona Olympics played a significant role in bringing creatine into the public eye. Following reports that British medalists used creatine to improve performance, interest from athletes and supplement companies surged.

The Commercial Launch: 1993

Creatine officially entered the commercial sports nutrition market in 1993. Experimental and Applied Sciences (EAS) launched the first creatine supplement for strength enhancement in the US, called 'Phosphagen'. This capitalized on the Olympic buzz, leading other companies to quickly release their own creatine monohydrate products. By the mid-1990s, creatine became a popular supplement among bodybuilders and athletes.

Widespread Adoption and Continued Research (Late 1990s and Beyond)

Creatine's popularity continued to grow in the late 90s, with prominent athletes publicly using it. This led to extensive scientific research that confirmed creatine's safety and effectiveness for improving strength, power, and muscle mass in high-intensity activities.

Creatine Supplementation Over the Decades

The market for creatine has expanded to include various formulations, although creatine monohydrate remains the most studied.

Creatine Forms: Monohydrate vs. Alternatives


Feature	Creatine Monohydrate	Alternative Forms (e.g., HCL, Ethyl Ester)
Research Backing	Most extensively studied.	Less research; claims often lack strong evidence.
Effectiveness	Highly effective for high-intensity exercise and muscle mass.	Conflicting evidence; often no advantage over monohydrate.
Side Effects	Temporary water retention possible; no link to kidney damage in healthy individuals.	Marketed to reduce side effects, but evidence is limited.
Cost	Typically most affordable.	Often more expensive.
Solubility	Can be less soluble in water.	Some are marketed as having better solubility.

List of Common Creatine Forms

Creatine Monohydrate: The most researched and effective form.
Micronized Creatine: Monohydrate with smaller particles for better solubility.
Creatine Hydrochloride (HCL): Bonded with hydrochloric acid, claimed to have better solubility.
Creatine Ethyl Ester: Less stable form.
Buffered Creatine: Mixed with alkaline powder, marketed to reduce gastric issues.

Conclusion: Creatine's Enduring Legacy

Creatine's history, from its discovery in 1832 to its market entry in 1993 with EAS's Phosphagen, demonstrates its evolution in sports nutrition. Its sustained popularity is supported by extensive research confirming its effectiveness and safety. Creatine monohydrate remains a highly recommended supplement for improving strength, power, and muscle mass. The International Society of Sports Nutrition recognizes it as a highly effective ergogenic aid.

For more detailed information, consult authoritative sources such as the International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine.

Summary of Creatine Milestones

1832: Creatine discovered in skeletal muscle.
1920s: Creatine phosphate's role in muscle energy identified.
1992: Gains public attention after reported use by British Olympians.
1993: EAS launches Phosphagen, the first commercial creatine supplement.
Mid-1990s: Popularity explodes in bodybuilding and athletic communities.
1996: Research shows carbohydrates can enhance muscle creatine uptake.
2000s-Present: Extensive research confirms effectiveness and safety of creatine monohydrate.

What the Research Tells Us

Studies consistently support the benefits of creatine, especially monohydrate, for high-intensity exercise. It increases muscle phosphocreatine stores, aiding ATP regeneration for explosive movements, which can lead to gains in strength and muscle mass. Importantly, research shows no evidence of long-term kidney damage in healthy individuals.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

The first company to introduce a commercial creatine supplement for strength enhancement to the public was Experimental and Applied Sciences (EAS) in 1993, with their product named Phosphagen.

No, creatine is not a steroid. It is an amino acid derivative that your body naturally produces and stores in your muscles to aid in energy production, particularly for short, high-intensity exercise.

Yes, some athletes reportedly used creatine before 1993, most notably at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, which is what helped bring public attention to the supplement. Research also indicates its use by Soviet athletes in the 1970s.

Creatine is the organic compound used by muscles for energy. Creatinine is a natural waste product formed from the breakdown of creatine and is filtered out of the body by the kidneys.

In healthy individuals, creatine supplementation has not been shown to cause kidney damage. This is a common misconception, often stemming from the fact that it increases creatinine levels, which can be a marker for kidney issues, but is a normal byproduct of creatine use.

Creatine monohydrate is the most popular form because it is the most extensively researched and clinically proven form to increase high-intensity exercise capacity and lean body mass. It is also highly cost-effective.

Creatine supplementation helps increase performance in short-duration, high-intensity exercises by supporting the regeneration of ATP, the muscle's energy source. This can lead to increased strength, power, and lean muscle mass.