The Claim

Oral creatine monohydrate at a dosage of 5 grams per day for 8 weeks has no significant difference in safety or tolerability compared to placebo in adults with moderate to severe depression receiving cognitive-behavioral therapy, as measured by dropout rates due to adverse events and overall incidence of adverse events.

Source: Efficacy and safety profile of oral creatine monohydrate in add-on to cognitive-behavioural therapy in depression: An 8-week pilot, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled feasibility and exploratory trial in an under-resourced area.

What the research says

Supports is higher

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

Supports
63score
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.

Description
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In adults with moderate to severe depression undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy, taking 5 grams of creatine monohydrate daily for 8 weeks results in the same rate of side effects and treatment discontinuation as taking a placebo.

See the scientific wording

Oral creatine monohydrate (5g/day) for 8 weeks is as safe and well-tolerated as placebo in adults with moderate to severe depression receiving cognitive-behavioral therapy, with no significant differences in dropout rates due to adverse events or overall incidence of adverse events.

Why this might work

Taking 5 grams of creatine daily for 8 weeks does not change how the body processes toxins, regulates fluids, or activates immune responses, so it does not cause more side effects than a dummy pill.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: Efficacy and safety profile of oral creatine monohydrate in add-on to cognitive-behavioural therapy in depression: An 8-week pilot, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled feasibility and exploratory trial in an under-resourced area.

    This study found that people taking creatine daily for 8 weeks along with therapy didn’t have more side effects or quit treatment more often than those taking a fake pill. So, creatine is just as safe as a placebo in this setting.

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.