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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Creatine wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
7 of 7 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
13 of 16 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
1000-3000mg
Morning or pre-workout
Cordyceps militaris extract (fruiting body)
5g daily
Any time, Post-workout may have slight advantage
Monohydrate powder
1-4 weeks
2-4 weeks
2-4 weeks
1-2 weeks
First week
2-4 weeks
Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2014) · Meta analysis · n=1746
We found that Cordyceps preparation, as an adjuvant therapy to conventional medicine, showed potential promise to decrease serum creatinine, increase creatine clearance, reduce proteinuria and alleviate CKD-associated complications, such as increased haemoglobin and serum albumin.
Adjuvant treatment with Cordyceps sinensis for lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Journal of ethnopharmacology (2024) · Meta analysis · n=928
Compared with conventional treatment, adjuvant treatment with CS of lung cancer not only improve TRR, QOL and immune function, but also reduce the incidence of ADRs and radiation pneumonitis.
Efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis as an adjunctive treatment in hemodialysis patients: a systematic review and Meta-analysis
Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan (2019) · Meta analysis · n=655
However, there was no significant improvement for serum creatinine and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Females Taking Oral Creatine Monohydrate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2020) · Meta analysis · n=951
Six hundred and fifty-six studies were identified where creatine supplementation was the primary intervention; fifty-eight were female only studies (9%).
International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: creatine supplementation and exercise
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2017) · Systematic review
Increases strength by 5-15%
Effects of Creatine Supplementation and Resistance Training on Muscle Strength Gains in Adults <50 Years of Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis · n=20
In comparison with a placebo, creatine supplementation combined with resistance training significantly increased upper-body (WMD = 4.43 kg, p < 0.001) and lower-body strength (WMD = 11.35 kg, p < 0.001).
Based on multiple meta-analyses showing improvements in serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and proteinuria in kidney disease patients. Effects were modest and primarily as adjuvant therapy. Study quality was noted as unclear in several reviews.
Based on meta-analyses showing 5-15% strength increases. Upper-body improvements 4.43kg, lower-body 11.35kg. Effects plateau at therapeutic doses.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Creatine has a higher evidence score (9.5/10 vs 8.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For athletic performance, Creatine has a higher relevance score (90 vs 70).
No known interactions between Cordyceps and Creatine have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.