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Effects of creatine supplementation on memory in healthy individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Konstantinos Prokopidis, Panagiotis Giannos, Konstantinos K Triantafyllidis, Konstantinos S Kechagias, Scott C Forbes, Darren G Candow
Nutr Rev 2023 81(4):416-427

Bibliography

PubMed
PMID 35984306
DOI
10.1093/nutrit/nuac064
Funding
No external funds supported the work.
Competing interests
One author had prior scientific-advisory work for a creatine company; Darren G. Candow disclosed industry-sponsored creatine research, creatine donations, travel support, and service on AlzChem's scientific advisory board. Other authors declared no relevant interests.

Study snapshot

DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
ModelHuman
Sample10 RCTs in systematic review; 8 in meta-analysis
InterventionCreatine supplementation versus placebo in healthy individuals
DurationVaried by included trial
EndpointsMemory performance

What the study showed, in plain terms

Meta-analysis focused specifically on memory in otherwise healthy people.

Key findings

Pooled results suggested a small improvement in memory, with a larger subgroup estimate in older adults; later methodological criticism means this result should be presented with caution rather than as definitive.

What this study can and cannot tell us

Only eight trials were meta-analyzed, heterogeneity was substantial for the older subgroup, and subsequent correspondence raised statistical/methodological concerns.

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Reviewed by the Biohack Blueprint research team

Last verified

Dr. Khaled Mahmoud, MBBChCritical Care Medicine, Longevity Science & Editorial Direction