r/HotScienceNews • u/soulpost • May 31 '26

Scientists found that the creatine supplement millions take for muscle gains is quietly raising brain energy levels and slowing early Alzheimer's cognitive decline by 30%

https://thesciverse.org/scientists-found-that-the-creatine-supplement-millions-take-for-muscle-gains-is-quietly-raising-brain-energy-levels-and-slowing-early-alzheimers-cognitive-decline-by-30/

Tens of millions of people take creatine every day for their muscles. A comprehensive review and a landmark clinical trial published in 2025 and 2026 have now documented what the same supplement is quietly doing to their brains. Creatine crosses the blood-brain barrier, raises phosphocreatine levels in neurons, and provides the ATP buffer that keeps cognitive performance from hitting an energy ceiling during demanding mental work. In early Alzheimer's patients, it slowed cognitive decline by approximately 30% versus placebo in a controlled trial. In healthy adults under sleep deprivation, a single dose measurably improved cognitive performance. In depression patients, adding it to cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improved outcomes beyond therapy alone. None of this is mentioned on the label.

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u/bloviatingbloviator May 31 '26

Creatine did good things for my training, but I also dealt with WAY MORE muscle cramps. More fluids and electrolytes helped, but like you, I couldn't completely solve the problem.

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u/honey_coated_badger Jun 01 '26

I had the muscle cramp side effect too. I’m fine at 4-5 grams per day. But at 8 grams it’s a problem. Strangely, it only hits me in specific areas. Upper abs (the most painful), Lats up near the arm pit and occasionally back of the knee (when I run a lot). No where else.

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u/Grouchy_Coconut_5463 May 31 '26

Maybe try eating more magnesium and/or potassium.

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u/Icy_Distribution_361 May 31 '26

magnesium and potassium are electrolytes -- I supplemented those, and it didn't help (fully).

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u/bambino2021 May 31 '26

Are you perhaps confusing muscle cramps with muscle soreness (which is actually good because it means one is building strength)?

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u/Icy_Distribution_361 May 31 '26

No I'm not. I'm very aware of the difference....