CREATINE SUPPLEMENTATION AS A STRATEGY FOR COGNITIVE SUPPORT AND NEUROPROTECTION

Agata Ławniczak; Jagoda Prządka; Anna Tomaszewska; Marcelina Kaczmarek; Maria Pojawa; Natalia Łazor; Wioletta Witkowska; Ewelina Wagner; Aleksandra Chudzik; Emilia Buzek

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5794

Authors

Agata Ławniczak Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1588-4298
Jagoda Prządka Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7921-919X
Anna Tomaszewska Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4330-0780
Marcelina Kaczmarek Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0114-0607
Maria Pojawa Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9544-8106
Natalia Łazor Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6709-5577
Wioletta Witkowska Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4814-3350
Ewelina Wagner Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0741-1295
Aleksandra Chudzik Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2598-1261
Emilia Buzek Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5597-828X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5794

Keywords:

Creatine Monohydrate, Supplementation, Cognitive Function, Neuroprotection, Neuroplasticity, Blood-Brain Barrier

Abstract

Creatine (methylguanidine-acetic acid) is an organic compound formed from reactions involving the amino acids arginine, glycine and methionine. Synthesized endogenously in the kidneys and liver, it is concentrated in skeletal muscle and tendons, as well as in the brain, liver, kidneys and testes. Since the 1990s, creatine has been a widely used sports supplement, known to enhance muscle strength, endurance and recovery. It is one of the most extensively researched supplements in the world, and its efficacy and safety profile have been confirmed in thousands of peer-reviewed publications. With an increasing number of publications highlighting the effects of creatine on the central nervous system (CNS), this article aims to review the most recent literature.

Objective: This review evaluates scientific evidence concerning creatine’s effects on cognitive function and neuroprotection in healthy adults while analyzing the underlying neurobiological mechanisms.

Methodology: A literature review was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, encompassing meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and neuroimaging data.

Results: Analysis of the current literature indicates that creatine supplementation can increase brain phosphocreatine levels, thereby enhancing cellular bioenergetics. In healthy adults, improvements in short-term memory, fluid intelligence, and reduced mental fatigue represent the most pronounced cognitive benefits observed primarily under conditions of metabolic stress, including sleep deprivation or demanding cognitive tasks.

Conclusions: Creatine represents a promising, safe intervention for supporting CNS function. Especially since its safety and effectiveness have been extensively studied. However, further research must establish definitive dosing protocols to optimize cognitive outcomes.

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