What are the main dietary sources of creatine?

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    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    Creatine is found in appreciable quantities in skeletal and cardiac (heart) muscles.[1][2] Therefore, meat (including poultry and fish) and meat-based products are the main dietary sources of creatine. Here are some examples of (uncooked) meats and their respective creatine content:

    • Beef, with minimal visible connective tissue: 4.5 g per kg[3]
    • Chicken: 3.4 g/kg[2]
    • Rabbit: 3.4 g/kg[2]
    • Beef heart: 2.5 g/kg[2]
    • Pork heart: 1.5 g/kg[1]

    According to the NHANES III survey, the average daily consumption of creatine from food sources among Americans aged 19-39 years is around 1.1 g for men and 0.6 g for women.[4]