Creatine supplementation research fails to support the theoretical basis for an effect on cognition: Evidence from a systematic review

McMorris et al., 2024 | Behav Brain Res | Systematic Review

Citation

McMorris Terry, Hale Beverley J, ... Williams Thomas B. Creatine supplementation research fails to support the theoretical basis for an effect on cognition: Evidence from a systematic review. Behav Brain Res. 2024-May-28;466:114982. doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114982

Abstract

Creatine supplementation has been put forward as a possible aid to cognition, particularly for vegans, vegetarians, the elderly, sleep deprived and hypoxic individuals. However, previous narrative reviews have only provided limited support for these claims. This is despite the fact that research has shown that creatine supplementation can induce increased brain concentrations of creatine, albeit to a limited extent. We carried out a systematic review to examine the current state of affairs. The review supported claims that creatine supplementation can increases brain creatine content but also demonstrated somewhat equivocal results for effects on cognition. It does, however, provide evidence to suggest that more research is required with stressed populations, as supplementation does appear to significantly affect brain content. Issues with research design, especially supplementation regimens, need to be addressed. Future research must include measurements of creatine brain content.

Key Findings

Future research must include measurements of creatine brain content.

Outcomes Measured

• Requires manual extraction

Population

MeSH Terms

• Creatine
• Humans
• Dietary Supplements
• Cognition
• Brain
• Animals

Evidence Classification

• Level: Systematic Review
• Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article
• Vertical: creatine-cognition

Provenance

• PMID: 38582412
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114982
• PMCID: Not in PMC
• Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09