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Creatine Supplementation in Depression: A Review of Mechanisms, Efficacy, Clinical Outcomes, and Future Directions.

Cureus
October 1, 2024
Keshav Juneja et al. (8 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate creatine's potential as an adjunctive therapy for depression, focusing on its efficacy, mechanisms, risks, and benefits.

Results Summary

Creatine supplementation reduced depressive symptoms, particularly when combined with SSRIs, and improved brain energy metabolism and neuroplasticity. It was generally well tolerated but had potential side effects like manic episodes in bipolar disorder and renal impairment in kidney dysfunction patients.

Population

Patients with major depressive disorder and bipolar depression, including preclinical (animal) and clinical (human) studies.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Extracted Claims (5)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
Creatine supplementation
decrease
depressive symptoms
-
-
reduces
#1
Creatine supplementation
increase
brain energy metabolism
-
-
improves
#2
Creatine supplementation
increase
neuroplasticity
-
-
improves
#3
Creatine supplementation
increase
manic episodes
patients with bipolar disorder
-
may cause
#4
Creatine supplementation
decrease
renal function impairment
patients with kidney dysfunction
-
may cause
#5
Abstract

Depression, affecting millions of people worldwide, is a leading cause of disability globally. It affects not only daily functioning but also interpersonal relationships and overall health by increasing the risks of chronic physical and mental illnesses. Creatine, traditionally recognized for boosting physical performance through its role in producing adenosine triphosphate, has recently shown potential as an adjunctive therapy for treating depression. Creatine's ability to enhance brain energy metabolisms and provide neuroprotection suggests that it can alleviate mood disorders by improving mitochondrial function, increasing cellular resilience, and modulating neurotransmitter systems that regulate mood. This narrative review aims to critically evaluate the research on creatine supplementation for depression, focusing on its efficacy, mechanism of action, risks, and benefits as a treatment for mood disorders. It analyzes preclinical and clinical studies to understand creatine's potential as an adjunctive or alternative therapy for major depressive disorder and bipolar depression and underscores any gaps in current research. Both animal models and human trials indicate creatine's efficacy for the treatment of depression. Creatine supplementation reduces depressive symptoms, particularly when combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and may improve brain energy metabolism and neuroplasticity. It is generally well tolerated, though caution is warranted due to potential side effects such as manic episodes in bipolar disorder and renal function impairment in patients with kidney dysfunction. Overall, creatine presents a promising addition to current depression treatments, though further research is needed to establish optimal dosing, long-term efficacy, and safety across diverse patient populations.

Study Links
Quality Scores
Safety75
Efficacy80/10
Quality85/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations1
Citations/Year1.0
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score2.70
Normalized Score0.79
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