The influence of creatine supplementation on the cognitive functioning of vegetarians and omnivores.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the influence of creatine supplementation on cognitive functioning, comparing effects between omnivores and vegetarians.
Results Summary
Creatine supplementation improved memory in vegetarians but not in omnivores, and reduced response variability in a choice reaction-time task across both groups. No effects were observed on verbal fluency or vigilance.
Population
Young adult females (n=128), divided into vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Effective Dosage
20 g of creatine supplement daily.
Duration
5 days.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
creatine supplementation | no change | measures of verbal fluency and vigilance | young adult females | - | did not influence | #1 |
creatine supplementation | increase | memory | vegetarians | - | resulted in better | #2 |
creatine supplementation | decrease | variability in the responses to a choice reaction-time task | young adult females | - | decreased | #3 |
Creatine when combined with P forms phosphocreatine that acts as a reserve of high-energy phosphate. Creatine is found mostly in meat, fish and other animal products, and the levels of muscle creatine are known to be lower in vegetarians. Creatine supplementation influences brain functioning as indicated by imaging studies and the measurement of oxygenated Hb. Given the key role played by creatine in the provision of energy, the influence of its supplementation on cognitive functioning was examined, contrasting the effect in omnivores and vegetarians. Young adult females (n 128) were separated into those who were and were not vegetarian. Randomly and under a double-blind procedure, subjects consumed either a placebo or 20 g of creatine supplement for 5 d. Creatine supplementation did not influence measures of verbal fluency and vigilance. However, in vegetarians rather than in those who consume meat, creatine supplementation resulted in better memory. Irrespective of dietary style, the supplementation of creatine decreased the variability in the responses to a choice reaction-time task.