Effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function of healthy individuals: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Avgerinos KI, Spyrou N, Bougioukas KI, Kapogiannis D
Published in Experimental Gerontology
Methodology
Systematic review of six randomized controlled trials of oral creatine supplementation on memory, attention and executive function in healthy adults.
Key Findings
Creatine improved short-term memory and intelligence/reasoning in healthy adults, with inconsistent effects on other cognitive domains; benefits appeared greatest in vegetarians and stressed individuals.
Conclusions
Creatine may improve short-term memory and reasoning in healthy people, but evidence for broader cognitive benefit is limited.
Limitations
Few, small, heterogeneous trials with varied cognitive batteries and dosing; risk of publication bias.
Supplements Studied
Creatine improved short-term memory and intelligence/reasoning in healthy adults.
Outcomes Measured
Creatine improved short-term memory and intelligence/reasoning in healthy adults.
Creatine improved short-term memory and reasoning, with the largest effects under sleep deprivation or metabolic stress
Creatine improved short-term memory and some reasoning tasks but showed no consistent benefit for reaction time or executive function
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Intramural NIH / academic funding
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.