Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Creatine monohydrate is primarily known for its use in sports nutrition, but emerging research suggests it may also benefit memory and brain function, providing a scientific—though not yet conclusive—basis for its use in this context. Creatine plays a central role in cellular energy production by replenishing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy carrier in cells. The brain, which consumes a significant proportion of the body's energy, appears to be sensitive to changes in creatine availability.

Several clinical studies have investigated creatine supplementation and cognitive performance. For example, a 2003 study by Rae et al. in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that healthy young adults who took creatine for six weeks showed significant improvement in working memory and intelligence tasks compared to placebo. Similar results have been observed in sleep-deprived individuals and vegetarians (who typically have lower baseline creatine stores), suggesting that supplementation may be most beneficial when brain energy reserves are suboptimal.

Despite these promising findings, the body of evidence is still relatively small and sometimes inconsistent. Some studies show no significant cognitive benefit, especially in well-nourished, non-stressed populations. Larger, well-controlled trials are needed to determine the true extent and mechanisms of creatine’s effects on brain function.

In summary, there is emerging scientific evidence (rated 3/5) that creatine monohydrate may support memory and brain function, but its use for this purpose is not yet as well established as its role in athletic performance.

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