Creatine supplementation may reduce the severity of concussions, enhance recovery, and have other cognitive benefits.
Creatine PRE-supplementation reduced concussion related brain damage by 50% in animals”
Ricci et al (2020)
Why?
Like muscles the brain relies on creatine for energy production (ATP). Creatine levels have been shown to drop following head-injury (Dolan et al., 2019). Supplementing may help this.
Furthermore, a study of National Football League players reported that exposure to repetitive head impacts was related to decreased brain creatine later in life (Alosco et al., 2020).
Creatine may also help with recovery. Not just reduction of damage.
In two studies, children with brain injuries given creatine showed improved cognition, communication, self-care, personality, and reductions in headaches.
Although few human data on creatine supplementation and concussions are available, Creatine has been widely studied for safety.
Therefore supplementation is recommended for athletes that are at high risk of brain injuries.
UFC PERFORMANCE INSTITUTE: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POST CONCUSSION CREATINE
0.4g per kg (bodyweight) per day split in doses of 5g.
Example: 80kg athlete – approx 6 doses of 5g per day for the first week (a lot).
