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[Biochemistry](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/) · Molecule

# Creatine

Creatine is a small nitrogen compound that muscle and brain use as a quick energy reserve, stored as phosphocreatine.

Updated 2026-11-01

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## Key facts

- Made from arginine, glycine and the methyl group of SAM (kidney then liver); also eaten in meat and fish.
- In muscle, creatine kinase turns it into phosphocreatine, a high-energy phosphate that rebuilds ATP in seconds.
- Its daily breakdown product is creatinine, excreted in urine.
- It enters cells through the sodium- and chloride-dependent creatine transporter (SLC6A8).

**Also called**
Methylguanidinoacetic acid

**Formula**
C₄H₉N₃O₂

**PubChem**
[CID 586](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/586)

## Structure

- A guanidino group joined to N-methylglycine (sarcosine); phosphorylation occurs on a guanidino nitrogen.

## Clinical notes

- Creatine supplements raise muscle phosphocreatine and can slightly raise serum creatinine without kidney damage.
- Creatine is the treatment of GAMT and AGAT deficiency; it does not reach the brain well in transporter deficiency.

## Related conditions

- [Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/guanidinoacetate-methyltransferase-deficiency/)

## Related

- [Creatine, phosphocreatine and creatinine](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/topics/creatine-phosphocreatine-and-creatinine/)
- [Creatinine](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/creatinine/)
- [ATP (adenosine triphosphate)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/atp/)
- [S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/s-adenosylmethionine/)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which enzyme turns creatine into phosphocreatine?

Creatine kinase, using ATP.

## Which compound gives creatine its methyl group?

S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), in the GAMT reaction in the liver.

## Why can creatine supplements change a kidney test?

Some creatine becomes creatinine, so serum creatinine may rise slightly without any fall in GFR.

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Molecules are shown in their neutral form, as the databases deposit them; in the cell the acids and phosphates are ionised.

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [Creatine (CID 586)](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/586) (PubChem, NCBI, 2026); [Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency: MedlinePlus Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/guanidinoacetate-methyltransferase-deficiency/) (MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, 2026); Textbook of Biochemistry for Medical Students, 6th ed. (Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (Vasudevan DM, Sreekumari S, Vaidyanathan K), 2011).

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