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Study design

This double-blind, placebo-controlled 12-week study enrolled 73 healthy sedentary adults aged 45–65; 64 completed and were analyzed. Participants first chose whether to join a resistance-training and energy-restricted diet program, then were randomized within those strata to creatine monohydrate (10 g/day) or maltodextrin.

Findings

The paper reports gains in lean tissue, strength and endurance, alongside changes in selected cognitive and memory markers. The authors explicitly describe individual cognitive and biomarker results as exploratory. The exercise and diet program was self-selected, so these co-interventions complicate interpretation of the supplement comparison. The study does not establish that creatine reliably improves cognition.

Limitations and disclosures

Only 64 participants completed the study, and follow-up lasted 12 weeks; long-term cognitive effects are unknown. Multiple cognitive and biomarker outcomes were assessed, and practice effects could not be excluded. WoodNext Foundation made an unrestricted gift to the Texas A&M Foundation; AlzChem supplied creatine and funded homocysteine assays. The sponsors reportedly had no role in data collection, analysis or interpretation. Senior author Richard B. Kreider chairs AlzChem’s Scientific Advisory Board and has conducted industry-funded creatine research.

This sourced news summary and translation were prepared with AI assistance. Source links, the news date and research limitations are disclosed; this is not a claim of independent medical expert review. News production method.

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Research news is not medical advice or a recommendation to use a substance. Read findings in the context of the study design, participants and limitations. Editorial standards.

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