A systematic review of five randomized clinical trials involving 238 people found that creatine showed promise as an add-on treatment for major depression in some studies, but overall evidence was mixed and larger clinical trials are needed before it can be recommended.
Could the same supplement many people take to build muscle also help treat depression?
A new review published in the journal Brain Medicine suggests creatine has potential—but the evidence isn’t quite there yet.
Creatine helps cells produce energy. Your body makes it naturally, but you can also get it from foods and supplements.
While it's best known for supporting muscle function, it's also found in the brain—prompting researchers to study its impact on mental health.
They reviewed five randomized clinical trials involving 238 people with depression or bipolar disorder.
Two studies in people with major depressive disorder demonstrated benefits—one showed adding creatine to the antidepressant escitalopram improved symptoms.
Another showed the supplement enhanced the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy.
Three other trials—including one in people with bipolar disorder—showed no benefit.
Overall, creatine was generally well tolerated, with mostly mild side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort. But two participants with bipolar disorder developed hypomania or mania while taking creatine.
The researchers say the findings are promising for depression, but not conclusive. They say larger, longer studies are needed before creatine can be recommended as a treatment.
Source: Brain Medicine
Author Affiliations: University of Ottawa, University of Toronto
Copyright © 2026 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Leave a Reply