Lee Swanson Research Update

Creatine May Help Boost Your Brain Power And Memory

November 2003

Research undertaken by scientists at the University of Sydney and Macquarie University in Australia has shown that taking creatine, a compound found in muscle tissue, as a dietary supplement can give a significant boost to both working memory and general intelligence.

"We know that creatine plays a pivotal role in maintaining energy levels in the brain," said Caroline Rae, who led the research. "So it was a reasonable hypothesis that supplementing a diet with creatine could assist brain function."

Forty-five young adult vegetarian subjects were divided into two groups, with one group receiving placebo and the other five grams per day of supplemental creatine, a dosage known to increase brain creatine levels. This regimen was maintained for six weeks, followed by a six-week washout period, and then regimens were reversed.

To determine the impact creatine had on brain function, researchers measured intelligence and memory at baseline, after the first six weeks, at the beginning of the final six-week phase, and at the end of the trial. Results showed creatine supplements improved both working memory and general intelligence, according to the researchers. They also noted these results mirrored previous observations showing brain creatine levels correlated with improved recognition memory and reduced mental fatigue.

"These findings underline a dynamic and significant role of brain energy capacity in influencing brain performance," Rae said. "Increasing the energy available for computation increases the power of the brain and this is reflected directly in improved general ability."

Proc R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 270(1529):2147-50, 2003

New to Natural Health?
Tools
Customer Service