#578: Creatine For Brain Health: Overhyped Trend or Science-based Intervention? – Prof. Eric Rawson

Creatine is best known as a sports supplement for enhancing muscle strength and high-intensity performance. But could it also improve brain health and cognitive function? Or are such claims overhyped? If creatine can support brain health, it could have implications for aging, neurodegenerative diseases, concussion recovery, and mental fatigue. In this podcast episode, Professor Eric Rawson discusses what current science says about creatine's effects on the brain, including memory, executive function, and protection against neurological stress. Professor Rawson provides context on how creatine works in the body, why the brain might benefit, and what evidence exists so far. Eric Rawson, PhD is Professor and Chair in the Department of Health, Nutrition & Exercise Science at Messiah University. For over twenty years, his research has centered on the interplay between nutrition and skeletal muscle, notably investigating how creatine supplementation affects both muscle and brain function. Timestamps [03:14] Understanding creatine: biochemistry and history [07:55] Creatine supplementation and muscle performance [09:35] Creatine and brain health: emerging research [14:03] Measuring brain creatine: challenges and techniques [19:58] Cognitive benefits of creatine supplementation [26:23] Evaluating the evidence: caution and promise [30:45] Mega dosing and brain health protocols [32:04] Creatine for brain health: context matters [38:54] Creatine for brain injury and aging [51:25] Key ideas segment (Premium-only) Related Resources Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Links to related studies (see Related Resources section)