Oral creatine monohydrate supplementation improves brain performance: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial
Rae CD, Digney AL, McEwan SR, Bates TC
Published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Abstract
Randomized controlled trial demonstrating that creatine supplementation improves cognitive performance, particularly memory and intelligence.
Methodology
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial in young adult vegetarians; 5 g/day creatine monohydrate or placebo for 6 weeks per arm with a 6-week washout; outcomes were Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices and backward digit span.
Key Findings
Creatine supplementation significantly improved backward digit span (working memory) and Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices scores compared with placebo. Effects were attributed to increased brain phosphocreatine and improved energy buffering during demanding tasks.
Conclusions
Six weeks of 5 g/day creatine measurably improved working memory and fluid intelligence in vegetarians, a group with low baseline dietary creatine intake.
Limitations
Small single-centre sample restricted to vegetarians, whose low baseline creatine stores likely maximise the effect; results do not necessarily generalise to omnivores; cross-over design carries practice-effect risk on repeated cognitive testing; short duration.
Supplements Studied
Effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function.
Outcomes Measured
Creatine supplementation significantly improved backward digit span (working memory) and Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices scores compared with placebo. Effects were attributed to increased brain phosphocreatine and improved energy buffering during demanding tasks.
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.