New Research Links Creatine Supplementation to Improved Depression Outcomes - Video

Could a popular gym supplement also help improve depression? A new systematic review published in Brain Medicine suggests creatine may have potential mental health benefits by supporting the brain's energy production, but current evidence remains too limited to recommend it as a treatment.

Researchers from the University of Ottawa reviewed five randomized controlled trials involving 238 participants with major depressive disorder or bipolar depression. Across the studies, 126 participants received creatine while 112 received a placebo. Because the trials differed in design, the researchers assessed each individually rather than combining the results.

Two studies involving women with major depressive disorder reported significant improvements. In one trial, participants taking five grams of creatine daily alongside the antidepressant escitalopram experienced greater reductions in depression symptoms and higher remission rates than those receiving escitalopram with a placebo. Another study found that combining creatine with cognitive behavioral therapy produced greater symptom improvement than therapy alone.

However, the remaining three trials found no meaningful benefit. Creatine did not improve symptoms in people with treatment-resistant depression, adolescent girls with depression, or individuals with bipolar depression. Researchers also noted that two participants with bipolar disorder developed hypomania or mania after taking creatine, suggesting the supplement may not be suitable for everyone.

Scientists believe creatine could influence depression because the brain requires large amounts of energy, and creatine helps regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that powers cells. It may also affect mood-related neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, although these mechanisms remain theoretical.

The authors stress that the available evidence is inconsistent and based on relatively small studies, many involving mostly women. Larger, longer-term clinical trials are needed before creatine can be considered a reliable treatment for depression.

REFERENCE: Jeryous Fares B, Zhou C, Fabiano N, Wong S. Creatine as a treatment for depression. Brain Medicine. Published online 30 June 2026. doi:10.61373/bm026l.0039