Are Creatine’s Brain Health Claims Legit?

Brain Gains: Creatine is one of the few supplements that follows through on its promise in the gym. But recently, claims have moved beyond muscle with advocates suggesting it can boost memory, increase focus, and protect against mental decline. A 2024 meta-analysis in Frontiers in Nutrition appeared to back that up, finding positive effects on focus and memory across 16 trials. But a new commentary accepted for publication this year is pumping the brakes.

The Commentary: The critique flags how the meta-analysis combined its data. Several trials tested multiple cognitive outcomes on the same participants, but each outcome was treated as if it came from a separate group. This is called “double-counting” — an issue that can make the outcome of a trial seem stronger than it is.

The Takeaway: Creatine may still have benefits for the mind, but the strength of the current evidence has been exaggerated. Its physical performance benefits remain well-supported though.

Keep in Mind: This comments on how the studies were combined. Creatine could still benefit the brain, but we need more research with tighter methods to determine that.