Professional paper
CURRENT KNOWLEDGE ON THE EFFECTS OF CREATINE MONOHYDRATE SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE BRAIN AND COGNITIVE ABILITIES
Jozo Ištuk
; University of Mostar, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology, Biskupa Čule bb, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Creatine is an organic compound that plays a key role in energy metabolism, primarily in muscle tissue, but increasing evidence highlights its importance in brain function as well. Through the phosphocreatine system, creatine helps maintain stable ATP levels, particularly under conditions of increased energy demand such as mental stress, hypoxia or aging. Consequently, the hypothesis has emerged that creatine monohydrate supplementation may have a positive effect on cognitive functions. The aim of this paper was to present the mechanisms of creatine action in the brain and to analyze the available scientific evidence on the effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive abilities in adults. The results indicate that creatine may positively influence memory, attention, working memory and information processing speed. The most pronounced effects have been observed in older adults and populations with potentially lower creatine levels, such as vegetarians. Effects on executive functions and intelligence are less consistent. In conclusion, creatine appears to be a promising and relatively safe strategy for supporting cognitive function in adults, but further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in this context.
Keywords
creatine; supplementation; brain; cognitive function
Hrčak ID:
333488
URI
Publication date:
11.7.2025.
Visits: 490 *