Creatine & Depression: Here's How This Popular Supplement Impacts Mood

Molly Knudsen
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
By Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
February 05, 2025

Creatine is most known for helping gym-goers build muscle. While it's quite effective at doing so (heck, it helps people of all fitness levels get stronger), newer research shows that creatine is also an effective treatment for depression.

A new 2024 review summarizes all past human and animal studies of creatine's impact on the brain and makers of depression - on its own and as an addition to SSRIs (a type of antidepressant medication).

Here's what you need to know.


What is creatine?

Creatine is most known as a supplement, but it's also a compound the body makes naturally on its own and one that you get by eating certain animal proteins. 
About 95% of the body's creatine is found in muscle tissue, where it helps to produce cellular energy (ATP) quickly during times of high energy needs (like workouts).

How creatine may help with depression 

Research on creatine's impact on the brain indicates that it supports cognition (and may counter unfavorable changes associated with depression) in multiple ways: 


  • Enhances brain ATP production: Depression is linked to low energy production in brain cells, but creatine increases energy availability in the brain. Just as muscles tap into creatine stores during times of stress, so does the brain. Studies show that this supports cognition, particularly during times of mental stress, fatigue, and even sleep deprivation
  • Supports neurotransmitter function: Low levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine are also linked to depression. Creatine may help enhance these feel-good hormones and help improve overall mood.
  • Boosts brain cell resilience to stress: Oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants) is strongly linked to depression. Creatine seems to offer protection to brain cells against this type of damage.
  • Supports neuronal survival: Depression is also associated with brain structure changes, including the loss of brain cells (neurons). Research indicates that creatine helps maintain neurons.
products

ultimate multivitamin+
with hair growth, nails & skin support

Best Sellers

Your health, upgraded. Feel the difference

magnesium+
rest & recovery

Best Sellers

Rested. Renewed. Ready. Made for deep sleep*

creatine with taurine+

Muscle Health

Strong. Focused. Unstoppable. For body and mind*

creatine with taurine+

Muscle Health

Strong. Focused. Unstoppable. Made for women*

brain guard+

Best Sellers
Sharp. Clear. Focused. Science-backed support for your mind

electrolytes+
with creatine

Muscle Health

Hydrate smarter. Feel stronger. Recover faster.*

grass-fed whey protein isolate+

Muscle Health

Strong. Fit. Toned. Own your strength.*

advanced probiotic+
with bloat support

Gut Health

Reset your gut. Beat the bloat. Increase regularity starting in 2 weeks*

eye health+

Daily Essentials
Visual performance support for the digital age.*

omega-3 potency+

Daily Essentials

Delivers the right amount of crucial fatty acids so your body can function at its best.*

metabolism+

Metabolic Health
Boost your metabolism. Curb cravings in 7 days*†

sleep support+

Sleep

Where deep sleep begins, and clear mornings follow*

organic fiber+
with prebiotic support

Gut Health

Fiber, evolved. Organic, plant-based, and full-body benefits*

beauty & gut collagen+

Gut Health
Our collagen gets you glowing, inside and out.*

best skin+

Beauty
Reduce wrinkles in 14 days, increase skin elasticity by 26% in 2 months*†

vitamin D3 potency+

Daily Essentials

Optimized vitamin D3 with absorption technology for whole-body health*

focus+

Brain

Nootropic for focus, attention and sustained energy* 

liver detox+

Daily Essentials

detox support to promote liver and whole-body cleanup*

turmeric ginger+

Daily Essentials
Your daily essential for joint & muscle health*

vitamin C potency+

Daily Essentials
A potent antioxidant that helps your body run properly every single day

methylation B complex+

Daily Essentials
Promotes healthy homocysteine levels and supports the MTHFR gene variant*

organic greens detox+

Daily Essentials
Getting the nutritional goodness of daily greens is a breeze

postbiotic hand wash

Barrier Supporting Skin Care

Bright scent, lush lather & hydrating ingredients

postbiotic hand cream

Microbiome Skin Care

Rich yet fast-absorbing formula that nourishes your microbiome*

dry body oil

Barrier Supporting Skin Care

Instantly restore radiance to dull, lackluster skin

postbiotic body lotion

Barrier Supporting Skin Care

Ultra-hydrating formula that nourishes your skin barrier

Cart
Free Shipping
10%
15%
20%
Subscribe to more products for additional savings!
Product Unit Price Quantity Total

Your cart is currently empty.

BUY MORE, SAVE MORE
Subtotal $0
Tax Calculated at checkout
Discounts
30 Day Money Back Guarantee

Enable cookies to use the shopping cart

Estimated Total