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Until recently, creatine<\/a> supplements were almost exclusively used by athletes and bodybuilders looking to enhance performance and pack on muscle mass<\/a>. But now there is a surprising rapidly growing market for it: middle-aged women.<\/p>\n While Dwayne \u201cThe Rock\u201d Johnson still puts in his protein shake to \u201cput on size,\u201d Ivanka Trump revealed earlier this year that she takes a dose with her morning smoothie. <\/p>\n From fitness influencers on TikTok to health experts, the chalky powder is now being touted for a range of benefits for women<\/a>. So, what exactly is creatine and does the science back up the hype?<\/p>\n open image in gallery<\/p>\n Creatine (blackday – stock.adobe.com)<\/p>\n \u201cCreatine is a natural compound that comes from three amino acids \u2013 arginine, glycine, and methionine,\u201d Dr. Rupa Parmar, a physician and Director at Midland Health, tells The Independent. \u201cIt\u2019s stored mainly in our muscles to help produce energy.\u201d <\/p>\n While small amounts come from foods like red meat and fish, our bodies also make about a gram each day.<\/p>\n Most women don\u2019t get the recommended three to five grams per day from food, Rupa said, and supplementation may help.<\/p>\n \u201cWomen naturally have much lower creatine stores than men and usually eat less of it in their diet, so they may actually benefit more from taking creatine to boost their levels,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n Creatine\u2019s rise as a go-to supplement can be traced to 1992 when British sprinter Linford Christie and hurdler Sally Gunnell, both vocal about its use, won gold at the Barcelona Olympics. <\/p>\n Glossy fitness magazines began branding it a \u201cbreakthrough\u201d; a 1998 article in Fortune magazine called the compound \u201cnature\u2019s steroid\u201d; a Los Angeles Times headline blared, \u201cPower powder.\u201d <\/p>\n open image in gallery<\/p>\n Linford Christie celebrating his Olympic gold in Barcelona on August 1, 1992 (PA)<\/p>\n While much of its early reputation focused on muscle-building and workout recovery, research suggests creatine\u2019s benefits may extend beyond the gym.<\/p>\n Creatine has been linked to improved memory<\/a>, brain health, depression treatment and increased energy. <\/p>\n \u201cIt can even support brain health, with studies suggesting the substance helps to improve cognitive function and provide some protection as we age,\u201d Rupa said. <\/p>\n A preliminary study by the University of Kansas Medical Center on people with Alzheimer\u2019s found that creatine supplements may improve memory and executive function. Creatine may also offer benefits tied to hormonal fluctuations.<\/p>\n \u201cCreatine can help ease fatigue during your period by supporting stable energy levels,\u201d Rupa continued, \u201cespecially when you\u2019re feeling more tired.\u201d <\/p>\n![\"Creatine\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AdobeStock_486732926.jpeg\")
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