Review finds creatine may aid depression treatment but evidence remains limited

ANBAR, Iraq — A review of clinical trials suggests creatine, a compound the body produces naturally for energy metabolism, may help reduce depression symptoms when used alongside antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy, according to Medical Xpress. The review examined five randomized clinical trials covering 238 participants diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. Some trials reported symptom improvement when creatine was added to escitalopram or to cognitive behavioral therapy, while three studies found no significant change, including one focused on patients with bipolar disorder. Side effects were mostly limited to mild digestive discomfort, though a small number of patients experienced mild or full manic episodes. The review's lead author, Bessam Jerios Fares, described the findings as "encouraging but not conclusive," noting that larger and longer studies are needed before any change to clinical practice can be recommended. Researchers have pointed to creatine's presence in the brain as a possible reason it could influence neurological and psychological functions, though its exact role in mental health remains unclear.