How does creatine affect the brain?

Creatine has been shown to affect the brain in several ways:

1. Enhancement with SSRIs for Depression:

   • Creatine supplementation could enhance the response to selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications, particularly in women with major depressive disorder. This may either lower the required dose of SSRIs or improve their effectiveness 1.
   • Supplementation independent of SSRIs has also been suggested to improve mood and assist in some forms of mild depression 2 3.
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       1

       Creatine and Depression

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       2

       Creatine for Brain Health

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       3

       Creatine for Mood

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       4

       Creatine and Brain Health

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       5

       Creatine and Cognition

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       6

       Boosting Brain Function

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       7

       Creatine Insights

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2. Brain Function Post-Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):

   • Creatine can help prevent symptoms like headache, dizziness, and fatigue after a traumatic brain injury. This is because creatine is stored in the forebrain, which is crucial for cognition and personality, and it can communicate with the calcium in the ATP system, which is essential for neuron function 4 5.

3. Enhancement of Cognitive Performance:

   • Creatine supplementation can enhance cognitive performance, supporting brain circuits like the prefrontal cortex that are involved in concentration and focus 6.
   • It's been shown to be especially beneficial for people who do not consume meat or other creatine-rich sources 2.

4. Effects on Forebrain Phosphocreatine System:

   • Increases in the activity of the forebrain phosphocreatine system relate to changes in the way NMDA receptors function, which may underlie the shift from negative mood and affect to positive mood 1.

5. Variability in Effects:

   • Creatine supplementation has various person-to-person effects, including potential impacts on hormonal pathways and water retention, with some evidence of creatine affecting dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, which could influence hair loss in those sensitive to DHT 7.

It's important to note the dosage mentioned in several studies ranged between 3 to 5 grams and sometimes up to 10 grams per day 1. However, any supplementation should be started only after consulting healthcare professionals, especially considering potential individual differences in response and underlying health conditions.