So, can this supplement improve our ability to think, remember and respond?
And for me, and many others, will it help clear our brain fog, a catch-all term that describes an inability to think clearly, string a sentence together, and remember the simplest of things?
For some people with serious post-viral conditions, brain fog can be longer term and potentially life-changing. If you have concerns, it is best to seek medical help.
For most, brain fog is usually temporary and can happen because of an illness or certain types of medical treatment. For millions of women, it can be a symptom of the perimenopause, due to hormonal fluctuations.
Katie Mansell believes creatine has helped in many parts of her life. The 46-year-old from Merseyside lifts weights, runs 30-40 miles a week, has a full-on job as the chief financial officer of a software company, and a busy home life with a teenage son and two dogs.
“A few months ago, I was out of sorts. I was finding training really hard work and I was struggling to focus on things,” she says.
“It was my friend who recommended it – she said it was a game changer.”
Katie, who is also perimenopausal, started taking six grams of creatine a day three months ago, and is beginning to feel a difference. Her mood feels a bit lighter, she can lift heavier weights and the fog that had descended on her brain has started to lift.
“I’ve got more motivation to do things, especially when it comes to training. I feel stronger when I’m lifting and bouldering, and I can also think more clearly.”
Katie does caveat this – she’s also on magnesium supplements and has started on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but she’s confident that creatine is making an impact and will continue with her daily dose.