The effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Systematic review and meta-analysis of adult participants from multiple countries, including healthy adults and adults with various health conditions. Included studies tested creatine monohydrate across multiple active intervention arms, with both short- and longer-duration supplementation.

Creatine monohydrate was the active supplement evaluated across included trials. Regimens varied widely, ranging from 3 g/day to 20 g/day, or 0.3 g/kg/day, given daily for 7 days to 18 months; route was not specified in the extraction.

Creatine monohydrate supplementation may improve some cognitive domains in adults, especially memory, attention time, and information processing speed. It did not show a significant effect on overall cognitive function or executive function. Benefits appeared larger in people with health conditions, adults aged 18 to 60 years, and females, and short- and long-duration interventions did not differ meaningfully. Certainty of evidence was moderate for memory and low for other domains.

The evidence is limited by substantial variation in dose, duration, and study populations, along with generally small individual trials. Certainty was low for most outcomes, and the review called for larger, more robust clinical trials to confirm the findings and clarify mechanisms.