A large epidemiological study from South Korea provides new evidence that people who consume more creatine in their daily diets tend to have better mental health. The research, published in Nutritional Neuroscience, found that lower creatine intake was associated with greater depression severity, more frequent suicidal thoughts, and higher anxiety symptoms. While the results are not definitive, they point toward a potential role for creatine-rich diets in supporting psychological well-being.

Creatine is a compound made naturally by the human body, but it is also found in certain foods, especially animal-based proteins like meat, poultry, and fish. It plays a key role in maintaining energy levels in cells, including in the brain. The average adult needs about two grams of creatine per day, roughly half of which is typically obtained from diet. While creatine is most commonly known as a supplement used by athletes to improve muscle performance, research has been expanding into its effects on brain function.

Previous studies have suggested that creatine may support cognitive function and may even reduce the risk of depression, particularly in older adults. Some small clinical trials have explored creatine as a treatment for depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. However, no large-scale study had examined its effects across a general population that includes both adolescents and adults, or outside of a Western context. The new study aimed to fill that gap by focusing on individuals living in South Korea, where dietary patterns differ significantly from the United States and other Western countries.