The Study
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept trial of creatine monohydrate as adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression
This study tried to see if taking creatine pills helps people with bipolar depression feel better. They gave some people creatine and others fake pills, and didn't tell anyone which was which. The main result didn't show a big difference, but a few smaller results hinted that creatine might help some people feel better. So it's like a hint, not proof.
Analysis score
Maximum 90 for a randomized controlled trial.
Where the score came from
Scientists tested if taking creatine (a supplement found in meat) along with regular depression meds could help people with bipolar depression feel better.
Where does this study sit?
Reviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert Opinion
Max 575 / 100
Quality score
Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups, minimizing bias. The gold standard for testing whether an intervention causes an effect.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1The big drop in remission rate suggests creatine might help some people recover fully, but it didn't make everyone's depression milder on average — and it might trigger mania in a few.
- 2After 6 weeks: 53% of creatine takers had very low depression scores (remission) vs.
- 311% of placebo takers.
- 4But average depression scores didn't improve overall.
- 5Two people on creatine became manic.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
Journal of Neural Transmission
Year
2017
Authors
R. A. Toniolo, M. Silva, F. Fernandes, J. Amaral, R. Dias, B. Lafer
Related Content
Claims (6)
Among adults with bipolar depression on standard medication, taking 6 grams of creatine daily for six weeks was linked to a 52.9% rate of symptom remission, while those taking a placebo had an 11.1% remission rate.
A study found that taking 6 grams of creatine daily for 6 weeks did not produce a statistically significant change in depression symptom scores among adults with bipolar depression, compared to a placebo.
In adults with bipolar depression, taking 6 grams of creatine monohydrate daily for six weeks was linked to a higher rate of remission among those who completed the treatment compared to those who took a placebo, but this difference was not seen in the main measure of depression severity, indicating possible bias due to participants dropping out.
Among adults with bipolar depression taking creatine monohydrate at 6 grams per day for six weeks, two out of 17 experienced hypomanic or manic episodes; no other serious side effects occurred.
In adults with bipolar depression, taking 6 grams of creatine monohydrate daily for six weeks did not cause any serious physical side effects and most participants continued taking it.
Creatine supplementation reduces depressive symptoms in people diagnosed with depression.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.