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Effect of Creatine Monohydrate on Spatial Working Memory, Body Weight, and Food Intake in Male and Female Rats
Cyrilla Wideman1, Alexandria Iemma1, Olivia Janolo1
1Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Concentration, John Carroll University, University Heights, OH 44118, USA.
Nutrients
|July 12, 2025
Summary
Creatine monohydrate supplementation did not improve spatial working memory in male or female rats. While males showed reduced food intake, neither gender experienced significant changes in body weight or memory due to creatine.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Creatine monohydrate is popular for athletic performance.
- Its effects on cognitive function and appetite are less understood.
- Research is needed to explore creatine's broader physiological impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate creatine's effects on spatial working memory.
- To assess creatine's impact on body weight and food intake.
- To examine these effects in both male and female rats.
Main Methods:
- Male and female rats were divided into experimental (creatine) and control groups.
- Spatial working memory was assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM).
- Body weight and food intake were monitored daily.
Main Results:
- Initial spatial working memory varied by gender, but all rats showed improvement by week 2, irrespective of creatine.
- Creatine supplementation did not significantly alter spatial working memory in any group.
- Male rats supplemented with creatine exhibited lower food intake compared to controls; body weight changes were not directly linked to creatine.
Conclusions:
- Creatine monohydrate supplementation does not appear to enhance spatial working memory in rats.
- Gender-specific differences in body weight and food intake were observed, with creatine influencing food intake in males.
- Further research is warranted to understand creatine's effects on cognitive processing and appetite.
