University of Ottawa Review Backs 5-Gram Creatine Add-On for Depression as 3 of 5 Trials Showed No Clear Benefit
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 7
University of Ottawa Review Backs 5-Gram Creatine Add-On for Depression as 3 of 5 Trials Showed No Clear Benefit
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 7
Summary
Five randomized trials reviewed in Brain Medicine suggest creatine monohydrate may help major depressive disorder when added to standard care, but the evidence is still too mixed to change practice.
Two studies found gains after 5 grams daily was paired with escitalopram or added to cognitive behavioral therapy, while teen-girl trials and a 6-gram bipolar depression study showed no significant benefit.
University of Ottawa researchers said the rationale centers on altered brain energy metabolism in mood disorders, though links between creatine, dopamine, serotonin and mood remain correlational.
Mild stomach pain was the main side effect reported, and outside experts said creatine looks more like a low-cost adjunct than a replacement for antidepressants, therapy, exercise or sleep-focused care.
Larger, well-controlled trials are still needed to identify which patients might benefit, as clinicians cautioned that early supplement enthusiasm often fades when broader studies find more modest effects.