Effects of acute creatine supplementation on cognition in university students
Abstract
Introduction: Exogenous creatine can increase phosphate levels in the brain and muscles, optimizing ATP production in times of high energy demand. In addition to improving physical performance, there is evidence that it also influences cognitive processes, such as memory and concentration. Objective: To evaluate the effects of creatine supplementation on cognition in healthy young individuals. Materials and Methods: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 18 nutrition students (18-59 years old). Participants were divided into two groups: one received 20 g/day of creatine, and the other, 10 g/day of placebo, for 7 days (loading phase). Cognitive function was assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed with specialized software, maintaining blinding. Results: No significant differences in MoCA scores were observed between the creatine and placebo groups. In the creatine group, the means were 24.9 ±1.68 before and 25.1 ±1.95 after (p=0.736). In the placebo group, 23.4 ±2.12 before and 24.3 ±2.75 after (p=0.832). The comparison between the groups also showed no significant differences (p=0.204 before and p=0.559 after). Conclusion: Acute creatine supplementation did not demonstrate a significant impact on the cognitive function of healthy young individuals. These findings suggest that the cognitive benefits of creatine may be more evident in populations with greater cognitive demands or deficits. Future studies should explore different methodological approaches and supplementation periods.
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