Creatine has become a staple supplement for fitness enthusiasts aiming to boost performance and build muscle, and its popularity has now extended beyond the gym. Social media influencers have also promoted the compound for supposed cognitive advantages, prompting questions about whether the claims match the scientific reality.
In a new video, Madeleine Finlay speaks with the Guardian’s science editor Ian Sample and Dr Justin Roberts, a professor of nutritional physiology at Anglia Ruskin University, to explore the research behind creatine. The experts examine how the supplement works, what the evidence says about its effects on muscle growth and exercise capacity, and whether there is credible support for the cognitive benefits touted online.
While creatine is among the most widely studied supplements, the discussion highlights the importance of distinguishing proven effects from marketing hype. The conversation also touches on who might benefit from creatine, how it is typically used, and what the scientific community still has to learn about its broader impacts.