Arnold Schwarzenegger is back taking a magnifying glass to the supplement industry. In a recent Arnold’s Pump Club Newsletter shared on February 10, 2025, he discussed whether creatine can reduce the risk of cancer.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is the most popular and noteworthy talent to emerge from the IFBB Pro League. He made the Men’s Open division his playground during the prime years of his career, regularly besting stars of the sport including three-time Mr. Olympias Sergio Olivia, Frank Zane, and his close friend Franco Columbu.
Schwarzenegger hasn’t turned his back on health and wellness since stepping away from the sport. Actually, he takes it more seriously than he ever has, especially since he’s been under the knife multiple times for risky open-heart surgeries. Creatine use is one of his go-to supplements which provides a host of health benefits.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals If Creatine Use Can Reduce the Risk of Cancer Development
In a recent Arnold’s Pump Club Newsletter, Schwarzenegger revealed if creatine supplementation can reduce the risk of cancer.
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“Can Creatine Lower Your Risk of Cancer?
Creatine is well-known for boosting muscle growth and helping cognition, but could it also protect against cancer? A new study analyzed over a decade of U.S. health data to uncover the connection.”“The new study suggests that higher dietary creatine intake is linked to a lower risk of cancer in adults — with the effect getting stronger as you age.
Researchers determined after examining data from over 25,000 adults that those with the highest creatine levels ‘significantly’ lowered their risk of developing cancer–a groundbreaking conclusion.
“Researchers examined data from more than 25,000 adults and analyzed participants’ dietary creatine intake—primarily from meat and fish—and compared it with cancer incidence. The results showed that individuals with the highest creatine intake had a significantly lower risk of developing cancer compared to those with the lowest intake.”
Its use to decrease cancer risk was present in both men and women.
“Creatine reduced cancer risk for both men and women — and the effect was even stronger for men and older adults. Specifically, for every 0.09 g increase in creatine intake (that’s a relatively small amount), the cancer incidence in males decreased by 7 percent, and that jumped to 14 percent for those in their 70s and 80s.”
Scientists believe creatine’s role in cellular energy metabolism and oxidative stress could play a role in helping prevent the disease.
“Researchers hypothesize that creatine’s role in cellular energy metabolism, oxidative stress reduction, and DNA protection could help prevent cancer.
Creatine may offer protective benefits by supporting mitochondrial function to maintain normal cell growth and prevent mutations. Creatine acts as an antioxidant, potentially neutralizing harmful free radicals that can lead to DNA damage and cancer development.”
In addition, studies pointed to creatine use helping regulate immune responses, which could help prevent abnormal cell growth.
“Some studies suggest creatine may help regulate immune responses, which could play a role in preventing abnormal cell growth.
“Interestingly, the study only focused on creatine from dietary sources, meaning it didn’t include supplemental creatine, which is a more significant dose than what you find in food. And since the study found that the protection increased with the amount of creatine you consumed, supplemental creatine may be more protective, but we need future research to confirm.”
In addition to helping with muscle strength, it appears creatine can also reduce the risk of cancer, just another reason why it has become such a popular supplement inside and outside of fitness.
“This study suggests you may be doing more than just improving muscle strength—you could also reduce your long-term cancer risk.
And remember, as we’ve shared previously, many of the old concerns about creatine are untrue. Creatine does not threaten your kidneys (research shows it can keep them healthier) and doesn’t increase body fat.
From boosting brain health and helping a foggy brain to dispelling myths around creatine causing hair loss, bloating, and other health ailments, Schwarzenegger has long supported its use, particularly since it’s the most widely studied supplement on the market.
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