A systematic review of five randomized clinical trials has identified creatine—a compound traditionally used in sports nutrition—as a potential complementary treatment for major depressive disorder. The analysis, which included 238 participants, revealed mixed outcomes: two trials demonstrated clinically meaningful symptom improvements in women receiving creatine alongside standard antidepressant therapy, while three trials reported no significant benefit.
These findings suggest that creatine may offer therapeutic value for certain patient populations, particularly women with depression, though the evidence base remains limited. Researchers emphasize that creatine’s mechanism in brain energy metabolism warrants further investigation. Before clinical recommendations can be established, larger and more rigorously designed trials are essential to clarify efficacy, optimal dosing, and patient selection criteria.
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