Creatinol-O-Phosphate

Amino-acidCreatine analog

What is it

Creatinol-O-phosphate (COP) is a synthetic creatine analog originally developed and used in Europe as a cardioprotective agent for ischemic heart disease. It is marketed in some sports supplements for exercise performance and recovery.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Cardiac ischemia (historical medical use)

Limited Evidence

European studies supported use in ischemic heart disease, though it never achieved widespread adoption.

Exercise performance / fatigue resistance

Mixed Evidence

Some small studies suggest possible benefits for high-intensity work. Evidence specific to COP in healthy athletes is limited.

How it works

COP is structurally similar to creatine but with an additional methyl group and phosphate. It is thought to support energy production during ischemia (low oxygen) by helping cells maintain ATP through anaerobic pathways and by buffering intracellular acidity. In medicine, COP was used in some European countries for angina and ischemic heart disease but is not approved in the US. Its application in sports supplements is based on the theory that it allows continued energy production at low pH and may extend high-intensity exercise capacity. Direct sports performance evidence in humans is limited.

Dosage

Sports supplements typically include 1.5-3 grams per dose. Medical use historically used similar amounts. DSLD label data did not include a typical dose.

When and how to take it

WHEN: 30-60 minutes before training in pre-workout supplements; sometimes split across the day. HOW: Capsule or powder in pre-workout formulas.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Creatinol-O-phosphate (powder)

Found in some pre-workout blends.

Pharmacokinetic data for the supplement form is limited.

Safety

Has a reasonable safety record in cardiac use. Side effects are uncommon and usually limited to mild GI symptoms. Long-term safety in healthy athletes has not been extensively studied.

Who should be cautious

People with cardiac disease should not self-treat with COP supplements. Use caution in pregnancy and lactation due to limited data. Discontinue if palpitations or chest symptoms develop.

Interactions

Limited interaction data. Theoretical interactions with anti-arrhythmic medications. Discuss with clinician if you have cardiac disease.

Frequently asked questions

Is COP the same as creatine?⌄

No - COP is a synthetic analog with different pharmacology. It does not replace creatine and the evidence base is much smaller.

Will COP improve my workouts?⌄

The evidence is preliminary. If you want a proven performance aid, creatine monohydrate has substantially more evidence.

References

Creatinol-O-Phosphate on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Creatinol-O-Phosphate (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Creatinol-O-Phosphate with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.