Science

The Science Behind Creatine

Creatine is one of the most extensively studied compounds in human performance and health. Beyond its well-known role in strength and exercise, research has explored creatine’s impact on cellular energy, cognitive function, fatigue, resilience, and metabolic support — often using higher or loading-style doses.

Below is a selection of peer-reviewed human studies examining creatine supplementation across a range of health-related outcomes.

Creatine supplementation and cognitive performance during sleep deprivation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14600563/

Creatine and mood/cognition under sleep deprivation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18091016/

Creatine protects brain function during hypoxia
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15570141/

Creatine improves microvascular endothelial function
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21590695/

Creatine supplementation and glucose tolerance
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18996917/

Creatine augmentation in major depressive disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20027395/

Dose-response creatine in depression (5g vs 10g)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25828040/

Creatine as adjunct to cognitive behavioral therapy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33794557/

Creatine supplementation in fibromyalgia
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28432809/

Creatine in pediatric traumatic brain injury
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15668525/

Creatine and post-TBI symptoms in children
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16394989/

Creatine supplementation in COPD rehabilitation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14663445/

Creatine and pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17079762/

Creatine supplementation in chronic heart failure
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10699902/

Creatine effects on arterial stiffness in older adults
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26333618/