The effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Xu C, et al.
Published in Frontiers in Nutrition
Methodology
PRISMA 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42024533557) of randomised controlled trials published 1993-2024 in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, pooling standardised mean differences and Hedges g for overall cognition, memory, executive function, attention and processing speed, with subgroup analyses and GRADE assessment.
Key Findings
Sixteen randomised trials with 492 adults aged 20.8 to 76.4 years, all using creatine monohydrate, were pooled. Creatine significantly improved memory (SMD 0.31, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.44), attention time (SMD -0.31, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.03) and processing speed (SMD -0.51, 95% CI -1.01 to -0.01), but showed no significant effect on overall cognitive function or executive function. Benefits were larger in people with a disease, those aged 18-60, and women, with no difference between courses under four weeks and four weeks or longer. GRADE rated the memory evidence moderate certainty and everything else low.
Conclusions
Creatine monohydrate may benefit memory, attention time, and information processing speed in adults.
Limitations
Only 492 participants across 16 heterogeneous small trials, with certainty low for every outcome except memory, no benefit on overall or executive function, and an erratum has since been published for this review.
Supplements Studied
Current evidence suggests that creatine monohydrate supplementation may confer beneficial effects on cognitive function in adults, particularly in the domains of memory, attention time, and information processing speed.
Outcomes Measured
Creatine supplementation showed significant positive effects on memory (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.18-0.44
Creatine monohydrate may benefit memory, attention time, and information processing speed in adults.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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