May 5, 2025
Creatine, traditionally recognized as a supplement for athletic performance enhancement and muscle recovery, is in the news for a different purpose—mental health. Recent studies have started to investigate its role in alleviating depressive symptoms. Some research is promising, but doctors warn against self-administering creatine without healthcare provider supervision.
Understanding Creatine’s Role
Creatine is a naturally occurring substance found in muscle cells, with a critical role in energy production during high-intensity exercise. It contributes to the resynthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an energy source cerebrospinal fluid uses to energize cells throughout the body. It is well known that creatine supplements are effective in improving physical performance; however, an increasing number of studies show that creatine may also help influence the brain’s energy metabolism, which may in turn influence mood and cognitive functioning.
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Research Insights: What the Science Says
Increasing evidence supports creatine’s potential as an adjunct treatment for depression. A landmark randomized controlled trial, published in The American Journal of Psychiatry, found that women who had major depressive disorder and took a daily dose of 5 grams of creatine and the antidepressant escitalopram had faster and greater improvements than those who took escitalopram alone.
(McMorris et al., 2012).
Likewise, in a comparative open-label pilot study of people with depression and methamphetamine dependence, daily creatine supplementation for 8 weeks was found to significantly decrease depression and anxiety symptom severity.
(Lynch et al., 2013).
Further evidence from additional studies, including preclinical studies, also highlighted that antidepressant-like effects may be stronger in females, suggesting potential differences based on sex (Allen et al., 2010). Creatine’s impact on the brain’s energy metabolism has been associated with cognitive performance and improved mental clarity (Rae et al., 2003).
Expert Opinions and Warnings
Although this evidence is encouraging, psychiatrists such as Dr. Anil Kumar of Paras Health, Gurugram, warn that creatine should never be viewed as a first-line treatment. “Some psychiatrists might recommend it as an adjunct supplement in specific cases, but it should always be prescribed by doctors,” Dr. Kumar advises. He cautions that using it any other way can lead to serious health implications, raising blood pressure as well as risk factors for liver damage and kidney impairment.
The Dangers of Unsupervised Consumption
The use of creatine without supervision, particularly when combined with other gym supplements, potentially leads to severe consequences. One widely publicized incident involved a 22-year-old patient from Delhi who was admitted to the ICU with metabolic complications due to supplement abuse. His metabolic results were almost in a comatose state — a serious consideration when unsupervised with supplements.
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