Effects of creatine supplementation on memory in healthy individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Konstantinos Prokopidis; Panagiotis Giannos; Konstantinos K Triantafyllidis; Konstantinos S Kechagias; Scott C Forbes; Darren G Candow

Nutrition reviews, 2023

SR / meta-analysisCC BYData current as of 25 Oct 2026

Abstract

CONTEXT: From an energy perspective, the brain is very metabolically demanding. It is well documented that creatine plays a key role in brain bioenergetics. There is some evidence that creatine supplementation can augment brain creatine stores, which could increase memory. OBJECTIVE: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to determine the effects of creatine supplementation on memory performance in healthy humans. DATA SOURCES: The literature was searched through the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases from inception until September 2021. DATA EXTRACTION: Twenty-three eligible RCTs were initially identified. Ten RCTs examining the effect of creatine supplementation compared with placebo on measures of memory in healthy individuals met the inclusion criteria for systematic review, 8 of which were included in the meta-analysis. DATA ANALYSIS: Overall, creatine supplementation improved measures of memory compared with placebo (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.29, 95%CI, 0.04-0.53; I2 = 66%; P = 0.02). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant improvement in memory in older adults (66-76 years) (SMD = 0.88; 95%CI, 0.22-1.55; I2 = 83%; P = 0.009) compared with their younger counterparts (11-31 years) (SMD = 0.03; 95%CI, -0.14 to 0.20; I2 = 0%; P = 0.72). Creatine dose (≈ 2.2-20 g/d), duration of intervention (5 days to 24 weeks), sex, or geographical origin did not influence the findings. CONCLUSION: Creatine supplementation enhanced measures of memory performance in healthy individuals, especially in older adults (66-76 years). SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. 42021281027.

Source: PubMed. Shown under the article’s CC BY licence.

Where this study is used

Creatine monohydrate supplementation: Memory (Healthy individuals) — Low. Counted in the grade.

Extracted values

AI-assisted extraction: each number comes with the sentence it was read from.

Studies pooled: 10
Funding: Funding. No external funds supported this work.

Study-level values with their source sentences
Field	Value	Source sentence
Review question	A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to determine the effects of creatine supplementation on memory performance in healthy humans.	Show quote for Review question A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to determine the effects of creatine supplementation on memory performance in healthy humans. Located at `sec:abstract.2/p:0`
Population	healthy participants	Show quote for Population population comprised healthy participants Located at `sec:2.1/p:0`
Intervention · Agent	creatine monohydrate	Show quote for Intervention · Agent compared changes in memory performance in participants who received either creatine monohydrate or placebo

Abstract

Source: PubMed. Shown under the article’s CC BY licence.

Extracted values

AI-assisted extraction: each number comes with the sentence it was read from.

Studies pooled: 10
Funding: Funding. No external funds supported this work.

Study-level values with their source sentences
Field	Value	Source sentence
Review question	A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to determine the effects of creatine supplementation on memory performance in healthy humans.	Show quote for Review question A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to determine the effects of creatine supplementation on memory performance in healthy humans. Located at `sec:abstract.2/p:0`
Population	healthy participants	Show quote for Population population comprised healthy participants Located at `sec:2.1/p:0`
Intervention · Agent	creatine monohydrate	Show quote for Intervention · Agent compared changes in memory performance in participants who received either creatine monohydrate or placebo

Field	Value	Source sentence
Outcome name	memory performance	Show quote for Outcome name memory performance following creatine supplementation, compared with placebo, was improved Located at `sec:3.2/p:0`
Outcome definition	Memory performance was considered the main outcome in the analysis and comprised multiple measures of memory from comparable studies, with no restrictions placed on the tool used for assessment.	Show quote for Outcome definition Memory performance was considered the main outcome in the analysis and comprised multiple measures of memory from comparable studies, with no restrictions placed on the tool used for assessment. Located at `sec:2.3/p:0`
Effect measure	SMD	Show quote for Effect measure standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.29 Located at `sec:3.2/p:0`
Effect measure as written	standard mean difference [SMD]	Show quote for Effect measure as written standard mean difference [SMD] Located at `sec:3.2/p:0`
Point estimate	0.29	Show quote for Point estimate standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.29 Located at `sec:3.2/p:0`
Ci low	0.04	Show quote for Ci low standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.29; 95%CI, 0.04–0.53 Located at `sec:3.2/p:0`
Ci high	0.53	Show quote for Ci high standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.29; 95%CI, 0.04–0.53 Located at `sec:3.2/p:0`
Ci level	95	Show quote for Ci level 95%CI, 0.04–0.53 Located at `sec:3.2/p:0`
P value	0.02	Show quote for P value P = 0.02 Located at `sec:3.2/p:0`
I2	66	Show quote for I2 I^2 = 66% Located at `sec:3.2/p:0`
Pooling model	random	Show quote for Pooling model Statistical significance was assessed using the random-effects model Located at `sec:2.4/p:0`
N studies	8	Show quote for N studies Overall, 8 studies with a total of 225 participants Located at `sec:3/p:1`
N participants	225	Show quote for N participants Overall, 8 studies with a total of 225 participants Located at `sec:3/p:1`
Analysis kind	primary	Show quote for Analysis kind The main analysis showed that Located at `sec:3.2/p:0`

Field	Value	Source sentence
Outcome name	memory measures	Show quote for Outcome name was not associated with improvements in memory measures Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Effect measure	SMD	Show quote for Effect measure SMD = 0.24; 95%CI, −0.04 to 0.52; I^2 = 38%; P = 0.09 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Effect measure as written	SMD	Show quote for Effect measure as written SMD = 0.24; 95%CI, −0.04 to 0.52; I^2 = 38%; P = 0.09 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Point estimate	0.24	Show quote for Point estimate SMD = 0.24; 95%CI, −0.04 to 0.52; I^2 = 38%; P = 0.09 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Ci low	−0.04	Show quote for Ci low SMD = 0.24; 95%CI, −0.04 to 0.52; I^2 = 38%; P = 0.09 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Ci high	0.52	Show quote for Ci high SMD = 0.24; 95%CI, −0.04 to 0.52; I^2 = 38%; P = 0.09 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Ci level	95	Show quote for Ci level 95%CI, −0.04 to 0.52 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
P value	0.09	Show quote for P value P = 0.09 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
I2	38	Show quote for I2 I^2 = 38% Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Pooling model	random	Show quote for Pooling model Statistical significance was assessed using the random-effects model Located at `sec:2.4/p:0`
Subgroup	low doses (≤ 5 g/d)	Show quote for Subgroup creatine monohydrate supplementation in low doses (≤ 5 g/d) Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Analysis kind	subgroup	Show quote for Analysis kind A series of subgroup analyses showed Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`

Field	Value	Source sentence
Outcome name	memory measures	Show quote for Outcome name was not associated with improvements in memory measures Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Effect measure	SMD	Show quote for Effect measure SMD = 0.33; 95%CI; −0.07 to 0.74; I^2 = 78%; P = 0.11 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Effect measure as written	SMD	Show quote for Effect measure as written SMD = 0.33; 95%CI; −0.07 to 0.74; I^2 = 78%; P = 0.11 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Point estimate	0.33	Show quote for Point estimate SMD = 0.33; 95%CI; −0.07 to 0.74; I^2 = 78%; P = 0.11 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Ci low	−0.07	Show quote for Ci low SMD = 0.33; 95%CI; −0.07 to 0.74; I^2 = 78%; P = 0.11 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Ci high	0.74	Show quote for Ci high SMD = 0.33; 95%CI; −0.07 to 0.74; I^2 = 78%; P = 0.11 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Ci level	95	Show quote for Ci level 95%CI; −0.07 to 0.74 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
P value	0.11	Show quote for P value P = 0.11 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
I2	78	Show quote for I2 I^2 = 78% Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Pooling model	random	Show quote for Pooling model Statistical significance was assessed using the random-effects model Located at `sec:2.4/p:0`
Subgroup	high doses (> 5 g/d)	Show quote for Subgroup or high doses (> 5 g/d) Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Analysis kind	subgroup	Show quote for Analysis kind A series of subgroup analyses showed Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`

Field	Value	Source sentence
Outcome name	memory performance	Show quote for Outcome name increased memory performance was observed Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Effect measure	SMD	Show quote for Effect measure SMD = 0.03; 95%CI, −0.14 to 0.20; I^2 = 0%; P = 0.72 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Effect measure as written	SMD	Show quote for Effect measure as written SMD = 0.03; 95%CI, −0.14 to 0.20; I^2 = 0%; P = 0.72 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Pooling model	random	Show quote for Pooling model Statistical significance was assessed using the random-effects model Located at `sec:2.4/p:0`
Subgroup	young adults (11–31 years)	Show quote for Subgroup no differences following supplementation were observed in young adults (11–31 years) Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Analysis kind	subgroup	Show quote for Analysis kind A series of subgroup analyses showed Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`

Field	Value	Source sentence
Outcome name	memory performance	Show quote for Outcome name increased memory performance was observed Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Effect measure	SMD	Show quote for Effect measure SMD = 0.88; 95%CI, 0.22–1.55; I^2 = 83%; P = 0.009 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Effect measure as written	SMD	Show quote for Effect measure as written SMD = 0.88; 95%CI, 0.22–1.55; I^2 = 83%; P = 0.009 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Pooling model	random	Show quote for Pooling model Statistical significance was assessed using the random-effects model Located at `sec:2.4/p:0`
Subgroup	older adults (66–76 years)	Show quote for Subgroup in older adults (66–76 years) Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Analysis kind	subgroup	Show quote for Analysis kind A series of subgroup analyses showed Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`

Effects of creatine supplementation on memory in healthy individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract

Where this study is used

Extracted values

Effects of creatine supplementation on memory in healthy individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract

Where this study is used

Extracted values

memory performance

memory measures · low doses (≤ 5 g/d)

memory measures · high doses (> 5 g/d)

memory performance · young adults (11–31 years)

memory performance · older adults (66–76 years)

Outcome measures · ≤ 2 weeks

Outcome measures · > 2 weeks

Outcome measures · females and males

Outcome measures · females

Outcome measures · males

memory measures · creatine monohydrate in powder form

memory measures · encapsulated creatine monohydrate

outcome measures · nonstressed conditions

outcome measures · stressed conditions

memory · cohorts in which loss to follow-up was below 15%

memory · cohorts in which the rate exceeded 15%

How these values were extracted

Field	Value	Source sentence
Outcome name	Outcome measures	Show quote for Outcome name Outcome measures were also not affected by treatment duration Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Effect measure	SMD	Show quote for Effect measure SMD = 0.33; 95%CI, −0.07 to 0.74; I^2 = 78%; P = 0.11 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Effect measure as written	SMD	Show quote for Effect measure as written SMD = 0.33; 95%CI, −0.07 to 0.74; I^2 = 78%; P = 0.11 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Point estimate	0.33	Show quote for Point estimate SMD = 0.33; 95%CI, −0.07 to 0.74; I^2 = 78%; P = 0.11 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Ci low	−0.07	Show quote for Ci low SMD = 0.33; 95%CI, −0.07 to 0.74; I^2 = 78%; P = 0.11 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Ci high	0.74	Show quote for Ci high SMD = 0.33; 95%CI, −0.07 to 0.74; I^2 = 78%; P = 0.11 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Ci level	95	Show quote for Ci level 95%CI, −0.07 to 0.74 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
P value	0.11	Show quote for P value P = 0.11 Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
I2	78	Show quote for I2 I^2 = 78% Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Pooling model	random	Show quote for Pooling model Statistical significance was assessed using the random-effects model Located at `sec:2.4/p:0`
Subgroup	≤ 2 weeks	Show quote for Subgroup treatment duration (≤ 2 weeks Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`
Analysis kind	subgroup	Show quote for Analysis kind Outcome measures were also not affected by treatment duration Located at `sec:3.2/p:1`

Field	Value	Source sentence
Outcome name	memory measures	Show quote for Outcome name A significant improvement in memory measures Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
Effect measure	SMD	Show quote for Effect measure SMD = 0.35; 95%CI, 0.05–0.66; I^2 = 73%; P = 0.02 Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
Effect measure as written	SMD	Show quote for Effect measure as written SMD = 0.35; 95%CI, 0.05–0.66; I^2 = 73%; P = 0.02 Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
Point estimate	0.35	Show quote for Point estimate SMD = 0.35; 95%CI, 0.05–0.66; I^2 = 73%; P = 0.02 Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
Ci low	0.05	Show quote for Ci low SMD = 0.35; 95%CI, 0.05–0.66; I^2 = 73%; P = 0.02 Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
Ci high	0.66	Show quote for Ci high SMD = 0.35; 95%CI, 0.05–0.66; I^2 = 73%; P = 0.02 Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
Ci level	95	Show quote for Ci level 95%CI, 0.05–0.66 Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
P value	0.02	Show quote for P value P = 0.02 Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
I2	73	Show quote for I2 I^2 = 73% Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
Pooling model	random	Show quote for Pooling model Statistical significance was assessed using the random-effects model Located at `sec:2.4/p:0`
Subgroup	creatine monohydrate in powder form	Show quote for Subgroup supplementation with creatine monohydrate in powder form Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
Analysis kind	sensitivity	Show quote for Analysis kind sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the robustness Located at `sec:2.4/p:1`

Field	Value	Source sentence
Outcome name	memory	Show quote for Outcome name significant improvements in memory were seen Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
Effect measure	SMD	Show quote for Effect measure SMD = 0.33; 95%CI, 0.04–0.62; I^2 = 68%; P = 0.03 Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
Effect measure as written	SMD	Show quote for Effect measure as written SMD = 0.33; 95%CI, 0.04–0.62; I^2 = 68%; P = 0.03 Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
Point estimate	0.33	Show quote for Point estimate SMD = 0.33; 95%CI, 0.04–0.62; I^2 = 68%; P = 0.03 Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
Ci low	0.04	Show quote for Ci low SMD = 0.33; 95%CI, 0.04–0.62; I^2 = 68%; P = 0.03 Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
Ci high	0.62	Show quote for Ci high SMD = 0.33; 95%CI, 0.04–0.62; I^2 = 68%; P = 0.03 Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
Ci level	95	Show quote for Ci level 95%CI, 0.04–0.62 Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
P value	0.03	Show quote for P value P = 0.03 Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
I2	68	Show quote for I2 I^2 = 68% Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
Pooling model	random	Show quote for Pooling model Statistical significance was assessed using the random-effects model Located at `sec:2.4/p:0`
Subgroup	cohorts in which loss to follow-up was below 15%	Show quote for Subgroup in cohorts in which loss to follow-up was below 15% Located at `sec:3.2/p:2`
Analysis kind	sensitivity	Show quote for Analysis kind sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the robustness Located at `sec:2.4/p:1`