Research on creatine is done to understand its action on muscles, but the emerging brain health evidence is surprising. The brain is a high-energy demanding organ and creatine directly fuels the ATP system that powers both neurons and muscle.
While the evidence for creatine and brain health is at an earlier stage, several findings are consistent: creatine supplements improve performance on tasks that require short-term memory and rapid information processing, particularly under conditions of mental fatigue or sleep deprivation.
The brain accounts for only 2% of body weight but consumes 20% of the body’s total energy output. Creatine provides a phosphate group thus changing ADP to ATP and replenishing the energy currency.
The brain stores creatine obtained from the diet and from the small amount that the liver synthesizes, using it just like muscles do. Thus, creatine is sometimes described as a ‘cellular energy buffer’ rather than a stimulant. It doesn’t create new energy, it helps the brain deploy the energy it already has, but faster.
Creatine for brain health works best as a low-risk addition to other fundamentals like sleep, nutrients and exercise, not a replacement for them. The greatest effect is obtained when the brain is stressed, so it’s best understood as a support during demanding times rather than a general enhancer.
Before adding any new supplements to your diet, it’s best to consult with your doctor regarding your personal health profile, as this is emerging evidence, not a settled science.
Would you consider taking creatine as it has dual purpose? Which type of creatine has the most scientific evidence?
MBH/PS