Creatine as a booster for human brain function. How might it work?

Abstract

Creatine, a naturally occurring nitrogenous organic acid found in animal tissues, has been found to play key roles in the brain including buffering energy supply, improving mitochondrial efficiency, directly acting as an anti-oxidant and acting as a neuroprotectant. Much of the evidence for these roles has been established in vitro or in pre-clinical studies. Here, we examine the roles of creatine and explore the current status of translation of this research into use in humans and the clinic. Some further possibilities for use of creatine in humans are also discussed.

Keywords: Bioenergetics; Cognition; Creatine kinase; NMDA receptor; Neuroprotection; Phosphocreatine.