Creatine for Concussion Recovery: The Science, The Protocol, and Why Athletes Benefit from It.
Caitlin Wells PharmD, Sports Pharmacist
Most athletes recognize creatine as a performance-enhancing supplement, essential for strength, power, and recovery. But beyond its well-documented benefits in the gym, creatine is now being recognized for something even more critical: concussion recovery.
Universities and sports medicine programs are integrating creatine into concussion treatment protocols, and the research supporting its use is growing. If you’re an athlete in a contact sport—or a coach, parent, or medical professional working with athletes—you need to understand why creatine may be a game-changer for brain health.
How Concussions Affect the Brain
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that disrupts normal brain function. While symptoms vary, they often include:
- 🔹 Headaches
- 🔹 Dizziness
- 🔹 Brain fog
- 🔹 Fatigue
- 🔹 Memory and concentration issues
At the cellular level, a concussion causes an energy crisis in the brain. The brain relies heavily on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for energy, and after a concussion, ATP production is significantly reduced. This leads to cognitive dysfunction, slower reaction times, and prolonged recovery.
How Creatine Supports Brain Recovery
Creatine plays a vital role in ATP production. In muscles, creatine helps regenerate ATP for short bursts of energy—hence its reputation as a strength supplement. But the brain also relies on creatine for energy metabolism.
What the Research Says
Studies on creatine and TBI recovery have found:
Reduced concussion symptoms – Athletes supplementing with creatine experienced fewer headaches, dizziness, and fatigue post-injury.
Improved brain energy metabolism – Creatine supplementation helped restore ATP levels, speeding up neurological recovery.
Cognitive and behavioral benefits – In pediatric TBI patients, creatine improved memory, communication, and overall cognitive function.
Because of these benefits, many university athletic programs are now including creatine in their concussion protocols to support recovery and long-term brain health.
Creatine Dosing for Concussion Recovery
To maximize creatine’s neuroprotective effects, the recommended protocol post-concussion is:
🔹 10g per day for 5-7 days (high-dose phase for rapid saturation)
🔹 3-5g daily for at least 4 weeks (maintenance phase for continued brain support)
Even pre-loading creatine—taking 3-5g daily before a concussion occurs—may help protect the brain from injury in the first place, as creatine levels in the brain do not saturate as quickly as in muscle tissue.
Why Every Contact Sport Athlete Should Take Creatine
Concussions are an unavoidable risk in many sports, but creatine is a simple, evidence-backed tool to support brain energy metabolism, speed up recovery, and improve cognitive resilience post-injury.
If you’re an athlete, this isn’t just about strength—it’s about protecting your brain for the long haul.
Interested in getting started at OC Sports Performance? Book a Free Consult Today!
