By Basant El-Faramawy
Creatine, long popular among fitness enthusiasts for its proven benefits to strength and athletic performance, is increasingly being studied for its potential effects on mental wellbeing. A recent review suggests the supplement may have a role in treating depression, adding to a growing body of research linking brain energy metabolism to mood disorders.
How creatine fuels the brain
The body naturally produces creatine, which is also obtained from meat and fish such as salmon, tuna, and cod. It serves as a rapid energy reserve, primarily delivering energy to muscles during activity. Small amounts are stored in the brain, an organ that consumes 20% of the body's energy despite accounting for only 2% of its weight. When brain energy is low, it can disrupt chemicals that regulate mood, potentially contributing to conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Low creatine levels associated with depression
Research indicates that people with depression often have reduced creatine levels in the frontal brain region, a key area for mood regulation. Forty years ago, scientists first noted a connection between low creatine and suicidal thoughts. Since then, large-scale studies have found that higher dietary creatine intake correlates with lower rates of depression.
Supplementation shows promise alongside medication
Clinical investigations have shown that teenagers with treatment-resistant depression who took creatine supplements alongside standard medication experienced mood improvements. Similar benefits were reported in individuals with bipolar disorder, where creatine supplementation combined with regular medication led to symptom reduction.
Expert calls for nuanced understanding
Zudin Puthucheary, a professor of intensive care medicine at Queen Mary University of London, emphasizes that while the evidence is compelling, it is important to understand the nuances of the research before using creatine specifically for mental health purposes.
