Popular gym supplement could help prevent Alzheimer's
A popular supplement used by gym-goers could help lower your risk of Alzheimer's disease. According to a new study, creatine could help boost cognitive health - but one expert has urged caution.
Creatine is one of your body's natural energy sources for muscle contraction. It can be found naturally in many protein sources such as meat, seafood and milk.
But athletes and bodybuilders often take additional creatine supplements to increase their strength during training. Research has also shown that it could benefit the brain.
In a video uploaded to social media platform TikTok, neurologist Doctor Baibing Cheng, explained more. He said: 'Is creatine the new miracle drug for Alzheimer's?
'The same supplement that bodybuilders use is now making headlines in Alzheimer's research.' Dr Baibing, who is better known online as Dr Bing, referenced a recent scientific study that looked into this connection.
He continued: 'A recent small pilot study came out suggesting that creatine might help with brain energy metabolism in early Alzheimer's. On the surface the logic makes sense, that creatine supports ATP production - basically cellular energy and Alzheimer's is in part a disease of metabolic failure in the brain.'
In the study, which was published in Alzheimer's and Dementia journal, participants with 'mild cognitive impairment' or early Alzheimer's were given creatine for several weeks. Some showed modest improvements in working memory and processing speed.
Dr Bing said: 'This sounds great, but here's the key. It was a pilot study - small group, short duration, no long-term outcome data, and this doesn't prove that creatine can prevent or reverse Alzheimer's, only that it's worth studying further.'
Further to this he warned that you should never rely on supplements instead of sticking to a healthy lifestyle. 'One thing I always like to emphasise to people is that supplements are not replacements,' he said.
'They're not replacements for what really matters like frequent exercise, Mediterranean-style diet, good sleep, managing your blood pressure and blood sugar, social connection and cognitive engagement.'
Creatine also comes with a warning if you have kidney problems or take other medications that could interact badly with the supplement. He added: 'If you choose to take creatine, that's fine, it's your choice, but remember that not all creatine products are created equal.
'The supplement market is barely regulated, so before you start spending a lot of money on powders and pills, talk to your doctors, especially if you have kidney issues or are on other meds.'
As part of the trial referenced by Dr Bing the 19 participants took 20 grams of creatine monohydrate, a powder they could mix into the beverage of their choice, every day for eight weeks. Blood draws were conducted at baseline, at four weeks and at eight weeks, and participants underwent magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging at baseline and at eight weeks to measure creatine in the brain.
As reported by the University of Kansas, the study showed an 11 per cent increase in brain creatine levels. Study lead Matthew Taylor commented: 'These preliminary results suggest that there are good things happening here, that creatine has a benefit. This is a great rationale for doing more clinical trials with larger sample sizes.
'There has been evidence in other populations that giving a higher dose of creatine does change brain creatine levels, but seeing it change in Alzheimer's patients was really exciting. That (11 per cent) is a significant increase.'
To lower your risk of dementia, the NHS recommends:
Eating a balanced diet
Maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising regularly
Keeping alcohol within recommended limits
Stopping smoking
Keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level
Having an active social life
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
4 hours ago
- Time Out
Here's where Gen Z is going for functional health drinks in Chicago
If there's any group that's going to stray from the status quo, it's Gen Z. Outspoken, expressive and generally open-minded, they do what they want, and for that, I commend them. Perhaps it's the obscene amount of extreme self-care content (mouth taping, looksmaxxing, castor oil patching) flooding their feeds or the barrage of TikTok 'doctors' 'exposing' the 'truth' about whatever health hacks are popping off at the moment, but these young adults are creating their own viral movement: drinking less alcohol. A lot less. A new Gallup poll revealed that 53% of U.S. adults say moderate drinking negatively affects their health, compared to last year's 28% who said the same thing. Those aged 18-34 are also the most likely to stay sober compared to their elders. Their hyperfixation on health risks and ample safer options like mocktails and functional health drinks have caused a shift in drinking trends here in Chicago—and Gen Z is all in. From authentic matcha to mushroom tea, the city has it all. So, take a page out of Gen Z's book and discover these popular spots for functional health drinks in Chicago. Gathers Tea Bar The drink of the summer is matcha, and Gathers near UIC is one of Gen Z's favorite spots to sip the beloved Japanese tea. Celebrated for its high-quality boba, Gathers also crafts a selection of delectable matchas mixed with strawberry, mango, banana and ube. However, due to the recent 'Matcha Boom,' as Japanese farmers call it, and other obstacles, such as increased tariffs, Gathers' matcha supply is limited. Be sure to stop by early to secure your cup. What to order: Mango Matcha Latte Chicago Health Foods Dubbed the 'Erewhon of Chicago' by Gen Z, this Gold Coast grocery and cafe serves Erewhon smoothie dupes. The hot pink and electric blue shakes may not taste as good as something Hailey Bieber would co-sign, but they sure will drive major engagement online. What to order: Peanut Butter Cup Super Shake SunLife Organics If you're more worried about the taste of your shake than the TikTok, SunLife Organics is a better bet. This West Loop hotspot also serves up chlorophyll shots, mushroom latte, and a selection of ceremonial-grade matcha. What to order: Shroom Shot The Coffee & Tea Exchange Although their frontal lobes may still be developing, Gen Z is still concerned about improving anything and everything about their body's performance. That's why iconic Lakeview shop Coffee & Tea Exchange is popular for its wide range of herbs and spices, like the HUH?! Memory Herbal blend, comprising antioxidant-rich herbs, green mate and Tulsi leaves for brain-boosting effects, plus a rotating menu of trendy drinks like Recession Blonde and Kesha Komeback. What to order: Organic Yerba Mate Hi-Vibe Known for their cleansing superfood juices, this is a popular spot for on-the-go sips like the Vanilla Mane matcha, which utilizes lion's mane fungi to support brain health, reduce inflammation and promote gut health, and a selection of shots for a quick pick-me-up. Go all in with their Longevity Broth, a questionably-colored plant-based concoction with words like 'reverse osmosis H2O' and 'turkey tail' on the bottle, which claims to 'satiate the mind.'
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I've maintained my 9st weight loss after coming off Mounjaro – here's my best tips if you can't afford the price hikes
Plus, what to do if you lose weight too quickly WEIGHT THERE I've maintained my 9st weight loss after coming off Mounjaro – here's my best tips if you can't afford the price hikes WHILE a small number of people can afford the luxury of weight loss injections, for the majority, the cost is proving to be a huge hurdle. With prices rising on the medication Mounjaro, thousands of people who have found success with the drug are being forced to stop taking it, leaving many to wonder if they can maintain their weight loss on their own. 2 Baylee has documented her weight loss journey on TikTok Credit: Tiktok/@baylsse One woman has gone viral for sharing her success story on TikTok, offering her top tips to others in a similar position. Advertisement Baylee, a creator known as 'baylsse' on the platform, has been honest about her own experience, sharing how she has managed to maintain her 9-stone weight loss since coming off the medication. One of her video's, which showed off her before and after weight, has racked up an impressive 1.3 million views as people rush to hear her advice. Baylee, who went from a UK size 20 to a size 8 in just over a year, lost 4 stone before starting Mounjaro. But it was on the medication that she saw a rapid transformation, shedding an additional five stone in just six months. Advertisement Having been off the medication for over a month and a half, Baylee admits that it hasn't been easy. "It definitely is a lot harder being off the medication than on it,' she explained. Despite the challenges, Baylee's biggest revelation is that maintenance is "not completely unmanageable." Her success, she says, is all about knowing the difference between a need and a want. Advertisement The biggest difference for Baylee after stopping Mounjaro was the return of physical hunger. Amy Tapper's weight loss journey However, she has found a simple way to manage it. 'I wake up in the morning and I feel physical hunger in my belly that can be easily subsided with a glass of water, with a coffee, with a protein shake,' she said. This simple, mindful tip has helped her manage the cravings that once made her journey so difficult. The medication taught Baylee to understand her body's signals and how to stop eating when she feels satisfied, rather than when she feels "completely stuffed." Advertisement Healthy foods She has also changed her mindset and eating habits, preferring healthier and fresher foods over "stodgy, heavy, carb full" meals. Baylee is now in the gym more than ever and has found a new love for exercising, knowing that any weight gain will be muscle rather than fat. She remains cautiously optimistic, but she is also honest about her fears. "I am freaking out, but I know that I can do this," she confessed. 2 She has lost nine stone and has since maintained after coming off the weight loss injection Advertisement For her, the thought of buying a bigger wardrobe is enough motivation to keep going as she 'literally cannot afford to put on weight again." Ultimately, Baylee hopes her story can help others who are navigating a similar path to maintain their health and weight loss, even without the ongoing use of medication. Many people have rushed to the comments section to share their thoughts. One wrote: 'Well done you look incredible. 'I'm on week 5 at 2.5mg and I've never gotten that over fullness after eating, just loss of appetite of what I am eating and then not wanting to finish my food or to go and pick in my cupboards.' Advertisement A second added: 'This video is so detailed and full of effort. We all appreciate the dedication you put into helping us.' While a third said: 'Thank you for this post - we have hope to go solo.'
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
I've maintained my 9st weight loss after coming off Mounjaro – here's my best tips if you can't afford the price hikes
WHILE a small number of people can afford the luxury of weight loss injections, for the majority, the cost is proving to be a huge hurdle. With prices rising on the medication Mounjaro, thousands of people who have found success with the drug are being forced to stop taking it, leaving many to wonder if they can maintain their weight loss on their own. 2 One woman has gone viral for sharing her success story on TikTok, offering her top tips to others in a similar position. Baylee, a creator known as ' baylsse ' on the platform, has been honest about her own experience, sharing how she has managed to maintain her 9-stone weight loss since coming off the medication. One of her video's, which showed off her before and after weight, has racked up an impressive 1.3 million views as people rush to hear her advice. Baylee, who went from a UK size 20 to a size 8 in just over a year, lost 4 stone before starting Mounjaro. But it was on the medication that she saw a rapid transformation, shedding an additional five stone in just six months. Having been off the medication for over a month and a half, Baylee admits that it hasn't been easy. "It definitely is a lot harder being off the medication than on it,' she explained. Despite the challenges, Baylee's biggest revelation is that maintenance is "not completely unmanageable." Her success, she says, is all about knowing the difference between a need and a want. The biggest difference for Baylee after stopping Mounjaro was the return of physical hunger. However, she has found a simple way to manage it. 'I wake up in the morning and I feel physical hunger in my belly that can be easily subsided with a glass of water, with a coffee, with a protein shake,' she said. This simple, mindful tip has helped her manage the cravings that once made her journey so difficult. The medication taught Baylee to understand her body's signals and how to stop eating when she feels satisfied, rather than when she feels "completely stuffed." Healthy foods She has also changed her mindset and eating habits, preferring healthier and fresher foods over "stodgy, heavy, carb full" meals. Baylee is now in the gym more than ever and has found a new love for exercising, knowing that any weight gain will be muscle rather than fat. She remains cautiously optimistic, but she is also honest about her fears. "I am freaking out, but I know that I can do this," she confessed. 2 For her, the thought of buying a bigger wardrobe is enough motivation to keep going as she 'literally cannot afford to put on weight again." Ultimately, Baylee hopes her story can help others who are navigating a similar path to maintain their health and weight loss, even without the ongoing use of medication. Many people have rushed to the comments section to share their thoughts. One wrote: 'Well done you look incredible. 'I'm on week 5 at 2.5mg and I've never gotten that over fullness after eating, just loss of appetite of what I am eating and then not wanting to finish my food or to go and pick in my cupboards.' A second added: 'This video is so detailed and full of effort. We all appreciate the dedication you put into helping us.' While a third said: 'Thank you for this post - we have hope to go solo.' What to do if you lose too much weight too quickly whilst on Mounjaro IF you're losing too much weight too quickly while on Mounjaro, it's important to take action to avoid potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Here's what you can do: Evaluate Your Caloric Intake Mounjaro reduces appetite, which can make it easy to eat too little. If you're losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week after the initial adjustment period), try: Tracking your food intake to ensure you're eating enough calories (apps like MyFitnessPal can help). Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass (aim for 0.6–1g per pound of body weight). Adding healthy fats and complex carbs (e.g., avocados, nuts, whole grains) for balanced energy. Adjust Your Dosage (With Doctor's Approval) If your weight loss is too rapid or causing side effects, your doctor may: Pause dose increases or lower your dosage. Adjust your treatment plan to stabilise your weight loss. Strength Training & Exercise To prevent muscle loss: Incorporate resistance training at least two to three times per week. Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga. Hydrate & Manage Electrolytes Drink enough water (Mounjaro can reduce thirst). Electrolytes matter - Consider adding magnesium, sodium, and potassium if you feel weak or fatigued. Monitor for Malnutrition & Deficiencies Rapid weight loss can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and electrolytes). If you experience: Fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements. Consider Further Medical Guidance If your weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. They might adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilise your weight loss.
