Creatine gives a boost to the brain, and even eases depression

Creatine—the muscle-building supplement—could also give a boost to the brain, and even ease depression.

Taking five grams of the supplement every day helps people overcome their depression even if they’re not taking an antidepressant, and those who have been prescribed the drug report that creatine increases its effectiveness.

Researchers at the University of Ottawa took another look at six studies that had tested creatine against a placebo on people with major depression or were suffering from bipolar disorder.  In total, the six studies included 238 people, with 126 given creatine and the rest a placebo.

Two of the five trials, both involving women with major depressive disorder, found that creatine provided unexpected benefits. In one, participants who took five grams each day along with the antidepressant escitalopram experienced greater reductions in depressive symptoms after eight weeks than those taking the drug with a placebo.

Another study paired creatine with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), one of the standard psychological therapies. Participants receiving creatine showed a greater reduction in depression symptoms on a standard assessment than those getting CBT with a placebo.

But the other three trials didn’t find that creatine helped ease depression, the researchers said.  They also sounded a word of caution: some with bipolar disorder reported having episodes of mania when they took the supplement.

Creatine could help with depression because it is providing an extra energy boost to the brain.  Although creatine is best known for helping muscles rapidly regenerate adenosine triphosphate, the molecule that powers cells, the brain also depends heavily on the same energy system. Previous research has found changes in brain creatine metabolism among people with mood disorders, leading scientists to investigate whether disruptions in cellular energy production could contribute to depression.

Creatine may also influence dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters that play important roles in mood regulation and are targeted by many antidepressants.

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