Doctors Highlight Vitamin D and Creatine as Essential Yet Overlooked Supplements

There are tons of supplements lining the shelves of grocery stores everywhere, but that hardly means you need to be taking all of them. In many cases, the best way to figure out whether you need to take a particular supplement is through blood work that can identify potential deficiencies. But don’t write off supplements altogether, because doctors say two in particular deserve more attention when it comes to healthy aging: vitamin D and creatine monohydrate.

No, the suggestions aren’t anything flashy. Creatine has a strong reputation in the gym for supporting muscle growth and exercise performance, while vitamin D is best known for its connection to bone health. But their benefits may extend beyond these familiar uses. We asked several doctors why they consider these two supplements underrated, and who may benefit most from taking them. Here’s what they had to say.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk with your doctor before starting any new supplement.

Underrated Supplements, According to DoctorsVitamin D

The main appeal of vitamin D lies in its ability to build strong bones and support the immune system. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin, so while doctors agree it’s important and often overlooked, that doesn’t mean everyone should start blindly taking high doses. Too much vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia and other health issues. But research has also highlighted vitamin D’s broader role in health, particularly for people who are deficient.

“As a podiatrist, I think about vitamin D often because it supports calcium absorption, bone mineralization, and muscle function,” says Mikel Daniels, DPM, President and Chief Medical Officer at WeTreatFeet Podiatry. “Those things matter when I’m treating an older patient with foot pain, a slow-healing fracture, balance problems, or general weakness. I’ve had patients who were doing everything right with their shoes and physical therapy, but their vitamin D level was very low. Correcting a true deficiency was one piece of a much larger plan.”

Stronger bones and normal muscle function are foundational, especially as we get older when one bad fall can change everything. But vitamin D can be hard to get from food alone, which is why supplementation is often advised. Fatty fish and fortified dairy products help, but many people don’t eat enough of either in their daily diets. Factors like aging, obesity, certain digestive conditions, and prior gastric bypass surgery can also contribute to lower vitamin D levels.

“Those who live in the northern hemisphere don’t synthesize adequate vitamin D during the winter months,” says Theresa DeLorenzo, DCN, RD, founder and owner of Nutrition for Optimal Performance. “Vitamin D deficiency causes inflammation, linking it with almost every disease we know of. It’s advisable to know your vitamin D level and titrate your supplement dose based on how low it is.”

Creatine Monohydrate

If you’ve spent enough time in the gym, you’re probably already riding the creatine train. Though it’s gained much more attention in recent years, creatine monohydrate has been extensively studied for its exercise performance and strength-boosting benefits. It’s affordable, widely available, and may even offer benefits beyond workouts. Growing research has shown potential cognitive benefits, particularly during periods of increased cognitive demand or sleep deprivation.

“Creatine is still thought of primarily as a bodybuilding or gym supplement, but I increasingly think of it as a healthy aging supplement,” says Kenneth Ro, MD, a double board-certified Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine physician. “We naturally lose muscle mass and strength as we age, and preserving both becomes increasingly important for metabolic health, physical function, resilience, and independence later in life.”

While much of the research on creatine and brain health is still emerging, the evidence so far is promising. One systematic review found that creatine supplementation may improve memory and certain intelligence-related tasks, with potential benefits appearing more pronounced in people experiencing stress or age-related changes. Another small study of 20 people with Alzheimer’s disease found that eight weeks of creatine supplementation increased brain creatine levels by 11 percent and was associated with improvements on several measures of cognitive function.

“It’s one of the most studied, cheapest, and safest things you can find at your local vitamin shop and it’s overlooked because people think it’s only for ‘lifters,’” says Carol Eisenstat, MD, board-certified physician and founder of Line Eraser MD. “Creatine monohydrate, plain as the stuff your body makes, three to five grams per day. No need for fancy formulations.”

Experts

Mikel Daniels, DPM, President and Chief Medical Officer at WeTreatFeet Podiatry

Kenneth Ro, MD, a double board-certified Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine physician

Carol Eisenstat, MD, board-certified physician and founder of Line Eraser MD

Sources

Effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function of healthy individuals: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Experimental Gerontology, 2018

This story was originally published by Men’s Journal on Aug 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the Health section. Add Men’s Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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