Creatine Supplementation and Cognitive Function: Mechanisms, Human Evidence, and Future Directions — A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.65.74048Keywords
creatine supplementation, cognitive function, brain bioenergetics, phosphocreatine system, memory, mental fatigue, sleep deprivation, nutritional supplementationAbstract
Background.
Creatine is a widely used dietary supplement, mainly known for its role in sports performance and muscle energy metabolism. Recently, its potential role in brain function has gained increasing attention due to its involvement in the phosphocreatine system and ATP regeneration.
Aim.
The aim of this review was to summarize current evidence on the potential effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function, including possible mechanisms, human studies, modifying factors, and safety aspects.
Material and methods.
This review analyzed scientific literature on creatine metabolism, brain bioenergetics, and cognitive outcomes in humans. Randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, narrative reviews, and relevant observational studies were included.
Results.
Current evidence suggests that creatine may support selected cognitive domains, especially memory, reasoning, processing speed, and mental fatigue. Benefits may be more evident in vegetarians, older adults, and individuals exposed to sleep deprivation or increased cognitive demand. However, findings remain inconsistent, particularly in healthy young adults.
Conclusions.
Creatine appears to be a promising but not fully confirmed nutritional strategy for supporting cognitive function. Further well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to identify responsive populations, optimal protocols, and clinically meaningful effects.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Izabela Czerny, Szymon Daniszewski, Julia Marek, Aleksandra Wiśniewska, Paweł Jan Cupriak, Inga Czerny, Jadwiga Pelc, Julia Maria Radziwiłko, Martyna Czachurska, Paul Dudek
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