When you think of creatine, you probably picture gym sessions, muscle pumps, and gains. But what if we told you that same scoop sitting in your supplement stack is also a powerful brain booster?
Yes, creatine is more than just a gym staple. It’s also a nootropic – a compound that supports brain performance. And science is starting to pay serious attention to this everyday supplement's cognitive benefits.
Backed by Research
A comprehensive review of six clinical trials involving 281 healthy participants examined the effects of creatine on mental performance. The studies used oral creatine supplements in either a steady 5g per day dose or a "loading phase" of 20g per day for a week, followed by 2–5g per day maintenance.
Researchers looked at a wide range of brain functions:
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Short-term memory
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Reasoning
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Long-term memory
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Attention
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Spatial memory
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Executive function
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Mental fatigue
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Reaction time
The standout result? Creatine significantly improved short-term memory and reasoning — skills crucial for day-to-day thinking, like remembering a shopping list or solving a problem on the fly.
How Does It Work?
Creatine helps your cells recycle ATP, the primary energy source in your body. In muscles, this gives you more endurance and strength. In the brain, it allows neurons to function more efficiently during mentally demanding tasks.
In simple terms? More energy for your mind.
Who Can Benefit Most?
While creatine offers benefits to nearly everyone, it may be especially useful for:
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Older adults looking to support cognitive health
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Vegetarians and vegans (who typically consume less creatine through food)
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Students, professionals, and anyone mentally grinding daily
Safe, Simple, and Effective
Creatine has a strong safety profile. Side effects are mild, with occasional bloating or stomach upset reported. It’s one of the most researched and trusted supplements in the world.
While we still need larger, long-term studies to fully understand its impact on cognitive decline or conditions like dementia, current evidence shows real promise.
Final Thoughts
If you’re already taking creatine for physical performance, you might be boosting your brain without even realizing it. And if you’re not? It might be time to give this underrated nootropic a closer look.
Shop Creatine at Red Supps and fuel both your muscles and your mind.