What are the health benefits of creatine?

Creatine offers several health benefits, extending beyond its well-known role in enhancing muscle mass and performance. Here are some key benefits discussed by Andrew Huberman:

1. Cognitive Function: Creatine can enhance brain function, potentially improving aspects like memory and executive function. It supports the phosphocreatine system in the brain, which is crucial for mood regulation and cognitive tasks 1 2.

2. Mood and Depression: Creatine has shown promise in improving mood and alleviating symptoms of depression. It may enhance the effectiveness of SSRIs for those with major depressive disorder and help manage mood through its action on brain circuits 3 4.

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     Creatine for Brain Health

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     Creatine Benefits

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     Creatine for Mood

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     Creatine and Depression

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     Creatine and Cognition

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     Creatine and Hormones

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     Creatine Benefits

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3. Recovery and Fatigue: Beyond muscle recovery, creatine may reduce symptoms associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as headaches and fatigue. High doses have shown significant decreases in headache frequency and symptoms like dizziness in preliminary studies 5.

4. Hormonal Effects: Creatine can slightly increase total testosterone levels and the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which may be beneficial for hormonal balance 6.

5. General Benefits: Research suggests other potential benefits, such as supporting bone mineral density and metabolic functions. Creatine is considered safe with minimal side effects for most individuals 7.

These benefits highlight creatine as a versatile supplement with applications beyond athletic performance, particularly for brain health and mood regulation.