The Review: “Effects of creatine on mental fatigue and cerebral hemoglobin oxygenation”

A recent study offers intriguing insights into how creatine, a supplement known for supporting physical performance, may also enhance mental stamina and reduce fatigue. This study, conducted by researchers from the University of Tokyo, focused on whether creatine could improve cognitive endurance by enhancing brain energy use—a particularly relevant area for postmenopausal women who may experience mental fatigue as part of aging.

Study Design and Approach

To understand creatine’s effect on mental fatigue, researchers designed a rigorous, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 24 healthy adults. Participants were divided into two groups: one received 8 grams of creatine per day, while the other received a placebo. Both groups followed this regimen for five days. To evaluate cognitive endurance, all participants then completed the Uchida-Kraepelin Test (UKT), a calculation task requiring sustained mental effort. This task has been widely used in mental fatigue studies because it provides a clear measure of cognitive stamina over time.

 

The study used near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), a non-invasive technology that tracks oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin levels in the brain, allowing researchers to observe oxygen use as participants performed the task. This method provides direct insight into brain activity and energy metabolism, making it especially valuable for understanding creatine’s impact on mental performance.

Key Findings

The results showed significant improvements in cognitive performance for those who took creatine:

Reduced Mental Fatigue 

Participants who took creatine showed better performance over time, with a notable improvement in mental stamina. Specifically, the regression coefficient (a measure of performance consistency) improved from -0.0115 to -0.0055 (P < 0.02), while the placebo group showed no such improvement.

Improved Oxygen Efficiency 

NIRS data revealed that creatine enhanced the brain’s efficiency in using oxygen. Creatine users had lower levels of oxygenated hemoglobin (oxyHb) and higher levels of deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxyHb) during the task’s initial stages, suggesting more effective oxygen utilization. As the researchers noted, the “average oxyHb during the former half of the calculation task was significantly lower” in the creatine group, indicating improved metabolic efficiency.

Implications for Postmenopausal Women

Although the study’s participants were younger (average age 24.39), the findings may be relevant for older women. The study highlights creatine’s role in brain energy metabolism, suggesting potential benefits for cognitive endurance as women age. Mental fatigue is a common concern during menopause, and creatine’s ability to enhance oxygen efficiency in the brain could support cognitive function over time.

As the authors pointed out, “creatine administration has been reported to increase creatine content in the human brain,” indicating that creatine supplementation can reach and support brain tissue effectively . For postmenopausal women, this mechanism offers a promising area for further exploration, especially for those seeking to maintain cognitive energy and mental stamina.

This study supports creatine’s potential to reduce mental fatigue and improve brain oxygen efficiency, making it a valuable supplement to consider for cognitive health. Although more targeted research is needed to confirm benefits for aging women specifically, these findings suggest creatine could be a promising option to discuss with healthcare providers for supporting mental stamina and energy levels as part of healthy aging.

You can find the study here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016801020200007X

 

About The Review

As part of The Next Chapter, our dedicated women’s health blog, we strive to empower our readers by bridging the gap between complex scientific research and practical understanding. The Review is our mini-series of literature reviews, where we dive into the science behind creatine supplementation and other relevant postmenopausal health subjects. By breaking down the latest findings from the scientific community, we aim to help our customers make informed decisions about how cheap and effective supplementation can support their health and well-being.