News MedicalCreatine May Enhance Neuroprotection Through Energy Pathways

This systematic review examines creatine’s mechanisms beyond muscle enhancement, specifically its neuroprotective effects through the muscle-brain axis via myokine regulation. The analysis explores current evidence on creatine’s role in ATP synthesis, BDNF modulation, and neurocognitive benefits through exercise-mediated pathways.

⚕️ Key Clinical Considerations ⚕️

• Energy Metabolism: Creatine increases phosphorylcreatine stores, facilitating rapid ATP resynthesis during high-intensity activities and potentially enhancing myokine release patterns.
• BDNF Modulation: Preliminary evidence suggests creatine may increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels through exercise-dependent myokine pathways, supporting neuroplasticity and cognitive function.
• Depression Management: Pilot trial data indicates 5g daily creatine combined with cognitive behavioral therapy produced greater depression score reductions than CBT alone over 8 weeks.
• Glucose Regulation: Creatine supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, potentially affecting myokine levels that influence the muscle-brain communication axis.
• Study Limitations: Variability in dosing protocols, study design heterogeneity, and individual response differences limit definitive conclusions about direct BDNF elevation mechanisms.

🎯 Clinical Practice Impact 🎯

• Patient Communication: Discuss creatine’s emerging neuroprotective benefits beyond athletic performance, emphasizing evidence-based applications for mood and cognitive support while noting research limitations.
• Practice Integration: Consider creatine supplementation as adjunctive therapy for depression management and cognitive enhancement, particularly in patients engaging in resistance training programs.
• Risk Management: Monitor for individual response variability and counsel patients about preliminary nature of neuropsychiatric benefits while emphasizing established safety profile for standard dosing.
• Action Items: Evaluate patient-specific factors including exercise habits, mental health status, and treatment goals when discussing creatine supplementation for brain health applications.

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