Sigma Nutrition Radio #578: Creatine For Brain Health: Overhyped Trend or Science-based Intervention? – Prof. Eric Rawson
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Sep 30, 2025 Professor Eric Rawson, a leading expert on nutrition and exercise science, dives into the fascinating world of creatine. He unpacks how creatine isn’t just for muscle gain but may also enhance brain health and cognitive function, especially in aging or neurodegenerative contexts. Discussing the biochemistry behind creatine, he tackles its benefits, evidence for cognitive improvements, and implications for those with brain injuries. Rawson provides a balanced view, cautioning against overhyped claims while highlighting creatine's potential in supporting brain vitality.
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Creatine Is Endogenous And Dietary
- Creatine is a nutrient humans both synthesize (~1 g/day) and ingest from diet, historically discovered in beef in 1832.
- It became central to understanding muscle energetics after ATP and creatine kinase discoveries in the 1920s.
Serendipitous Discovery Sparked Supplement Use
- Roger Harris accidentally discovered oral creatine raises blood creatine after self-experimentation and feeding a horse experiment failed.
- That human result triggered athlete use and later muscle biopsy studies proving muscle creatine uptake.
Robust Evidence For Muscle Performance
- Hundreds of studies show creatine monohydrate reliably improves high-intensity and repeated-bout exercise performance.
- Creatine serves primarily as a training aid to enhance strength and conditioning outcomes.