The Claim

A 7-day loading phase of 20 g/day creatine monohydrate in physically active young men enhances cognitive performance on the digit cancellation test with an effect size of d = 0.77 and p = 0.013, indicating improved attention and processing speed without altering affective valence or mood.

Source: Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Loading on Sleep Metrics, Physical Performance, Cognitive Function, and Recovery in Physically Active Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
80score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In physically active young men, taking 20 grams of creatine monohydrate daily for 7 days improves performance on the digit cancellation test, reflecting faster attention and processing speed, with no change in mood or emotional state.

See the scientific wording

A 7-day loading phase of 20 g/day creatine monohydrate in physically active young men likely enhances cognitive performance on the digit cancellation test (effect size d = 0.77, p = 0.013), indicating improved attention and processing speed, without altering affective valence or mood.

Why this might work

Creatine enters the brain and helps make more energy available when neurons need it quickly, allowing the brain to process visual information faster and focus better without changing how a person feels emotionally.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Loading on Sleep Metrics, Physical Performance, Cognitive Function, and Recovery in Physically Active Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial

    This study found that young men who took 20 grams of creatine daily for a week got better at a visual attention test without feeling any different emotionally — just like the claim said.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.