YOUR FAVOURITE GYM supplement continues its metamorphosis into an all-round holistic health superstar, with new evidence finding that as well as helping build muscle, creatine does double duty in treating symptoms of depression.
The study, which was published in the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology in January, followed 100 people with depression over eight weeks. The participants were divided into two groups: one took creatine and participated in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions. The other took a placebo and did CBT.
At the end of the eight weeks, the researchers found that people in both groups had less symptoms of depression, but depression scores were “significantly” lower in people who took creatine.
The researchers suggest that “creatine could be a useful and safe supplement to CBT for depression”. They added that the combination “is a feasible intervention in under-resourced settings, thanks to its positive efficacy and safety profile”.
What is creatine?
Creatine is a compound that’s found in your body’s muscles and your brain. Both seafood and red meat comprise creatine, while your liver, pancreas, and kidneys also produce approximately a gram of the compound each day.
Of course, the popular supplement is primarily used to help build muscle and lower the risk of injury.
How could the supplement help reduce symptoms of depression?
Researchers are still trying to understand why the compound may contribute to an antidepressant response. One research paper published in Biomolecules in 2019, found the supplement may reduce oxidative and nitrosative stress in the brain. It has also been proposed that compounds that might enhance brain energy storage, like creatine, could contribute to the treatment of depression.
If you’re taking creatine to aid in your muscle-building efforts, news that your supp may have other positive effects is certainly welcome and could further enhance, or at least complement, the positive impact of exercise on mood and brain health.
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