Can Creatine Help With Concussion Recovery?

Introduction

Creatine is a widely studied supplement known for its benefits in enhancing athletic performance and muscle recovery. Recently, there has been growing interest in its potential role in aiding recovery from concussions and other forms of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Key Insights

Neuroprotection and Brain Function:
- Creatine supplementation has shown promise in reducing symptoms associated with concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries by increasing brain creatine content and maintaining mitochondrial bioenergetics .
- Studies indicate that creatine can provide significant neuroprotection against ischemic and oxidative insults, potentially reducing cortical damage and maintaining mitochondrial function .
Recovery and Rehabilitation:
- Creatine supplementation may enhance post-exercise recovery and rehabilitation from injuries, including those related to the brain and spinal cord .
- In cases of tendon overuse injuries, creatine has been shown to support faster recovery and reduce pain, suggesting potential benefits for other types of injury recovery as well.
Exercise Capacity and Muscle Recovery:
- Creatine enhances exercise capacity and muscle force recovery, which could indirectly support overall rehabilitation efforts following a concussion by improving physical conditioning and reducing muscle damage .
Clinical Applications and Safety:
- Long-term creatine supplementation is considered safe and well-tolerated, with potential health benefits extending beyond muscle performance to include neuroprotection and injury recovery .

Conclusion

Creatine supplementation shows potential benefits for concussion recovery by providing neuroprotection, enhancing brain function, and supporting overall rehabilitation efforts. While more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy in this specific context, existing studies suggest that creatine could be a valuable supplement for individuals recovering from concussions.

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine

Oral creatine supplementation enhances upper extremity work capacity in persons with cervical-level spinal cord injury.

Creatine Supplementation Supports the Rehabilitation of Adolescent Fin Swimmers in Tendon Overuse Injury Cases.

Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Brain Function and Health

Creatine for Exercise and Sports Performance, with Recovery Considerations for Healthy Populations

The Effect of Creatine Supplementation on Markers of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Intervention Trials.

Creatine supplementation enhances muscle force recovery after eccentrically-induced muscle damage in healthy individuals

The Effect of Creatine Supplementation on Strength Recovery after Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

Supplementation of creatine and its role in brain function

Dietary supplement creatine protects against traumatic brain injury

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