A single high dose of creatine improved cognitive performance and brain energy metabolism during sleep deprivation, reversing fatigue-related declines. It enhanced processing speed, memory, and prevented metabolic changes, suggesting creatine may support brain function under stress, potentially benefiting wellness and healthspan during ageing.
February 2024 – Scientific Reports
Key takeaways
- Creatine boosts cognitive performance under stress: A single high dose of creatine improved memory, reaction speed, and processing during sleep deprivation. It countered fatigue-related cognitive decline, suggesting creatine may enhance mental resilience during periods of high stress or sleep loss, supporting brain health and performance in ageing individuals
- Creatine reverses brain energy depletion: Creatine prevented drops in brain energy metabolites (PCr/Pi, ATP) and pH levels during sleep deprivation. This stabilisation of cerebral high-energy phosphates highlights its potential to protect brain energy metabolism, which is crucial for maintaining cognitive function and longevity under metabolic stress
- Rapid brain uptake of creatine observed: Creatine increased brain creatine levels within hours, challenging the belief that long-term supplementation is necessary. This rapid uptake suggests creatine can quickly support brain function during acute energy demands, making it a promising tool for managing cognitive fatigue in ageing or high-stress scenarios
- Creatine may combat age-related fatigue: By alleviating fatigue and improving cognitive tasks, creatine shows potential to mitigate age-related declines in mental performance. Its ability to enhance brain energy metabolism and processing speed could support healthy ageing and improve quality of life in older adults
Read the article at: Gordji-Nejad, Ali, et al. “Single Dose Creatine Improves Cognitive Performance and Induces Changes in Cerebral High Energy Phosphates During Sleep Deprivation.” Scientific Reports, vol. 14, 2024, p. 4937. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-54249-9.
