New preclinical research data suggests that Creatine HCl may support brain health
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CON-CRĒT® Creatine HCl, the original Creatine HCl brand that has been awarded more patents than any other creatine molecule in market history, today announced results from a research study submitted for publication in the peer-reviewed Journal of Neurotrauma. The research found that the animals in an established rodent model for traumatic brain injuries given Creatine HCl before and after injury showed less damage to brain cells than a placebo group. There were sex-specific benefits including reduced damage in the brain region involved in memory and learning. Female mice had significantly less brain inflammation, while male mice had significantly fewer degenerating neurons and synapses, compared to untreated mice.
The study, Sex-Dependent Effects of Creatine Hydrochloride on Neuroinflammation, Neuronal Survival, and Inhibitory Synaptic Remodeling Following Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice was led by Johnny W. Zigmond, Benjamin G. Lamberty, Gretchen J. Simon, Jonathan M. Wood, Natalie M. Elliott, Don Miller, and Kelly L. Stauch, at the Department of Neurological Sciences at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). It is the first study to examine the sex-dependent effects of Creatine HCl on brain cell survival and inflammation following traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Dr. Don Miller noted, "This data is significant in that we see what appears to be neuro-protective benefits from Creatine HCl dosing. We are planning more research to further assess brain biomarkers at various time points after head injury, along with formal tracking of post-concussion activity."
Study Highlights
This controlled preclinical study evaluated the effects of Creatine HCl supplementation in a cohort of male and female mice following a controlled cortical impact (CCI) protocol. Mice were assigned to one of four groups receiving water (placebo) or various dosing treatments of Creatine HCl (100 mg/kg or 450 mg/kg) for 7 days before injury and 14 days after. Brain tissue and cells were assessed 14 days after injury. Data from this study suggests that the most beneficial dosing approach appears to be taking C-HCl before a TBI event. The study states that the animal dosing was equivalent to 1.5 grams of C-HCl per day and then 6 grams of C-HCl per day for 14 days after the head injuries. This treatment appears to have most effectively protected the brain cells of the animals.
Key findings include:
- Reduced brain inflammation in females: Female mice given Creatine HCl before injury and a higher dose after showed significantly lower brain inflammation and activation of microglia, the brain's immune cells, compared to untreated mice. They also showed less activity in astrocytes, which are support cells that contribute to inflammation after brain injury. Inflammation is one of the main causes of extended brain cell damage after a head injury.
- Fewer degenerating neurons in males: Male mice given creatine HCl prior to injury had significantly fewer degenerating neurons compared to untreated mice; and they also had less damage to synapses.
- Distinct benefits by sex: Creatine HCl appeared to work through different pathways in males and females, underscoring the importance of studying both sexes in brain injury research. Female mice experienced significantly larger injury areas than males, regardless of treatment. This is consistent with previous research showing female athletes are up to 50% more likely than male athletes to experience a sports-related concussion according to research from Columbia University presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 69th Annual Meeting in 2017.
- Pre- and post-injury dosing showed the most consistent benefits: Most of the significant positive results were seen in mice given Creatine HCl for 7 days before injury, followed by a higher dose for 14 days afterward. In both sexes, this group showed beneficial changes in inhibitory synapses, which researchers suggest may help restore balance in brain circuits disrupted by injury.
"These findings suggest creatine HCl made the brains of these animals more resilient to injury and inflammation," said Kristin Kirkpatrick, Registered Dietitian. "Human research is the next step, but alongside diet, exercise, sleep and stress management, a daily dose of creatine HCl may support the brain."
Advancing Research in Brain Health
This study builds on CON-CRĒT's broader research program, including a 2025 study published in the Journal of the American Nutrition Association that found Creatine HCl appears to be a safe and effective strategy for supporting menopause health. Dr. Sergej Ostojic stated that it appeared to promote cognitive health, energy, and mood.
"These findings are some of the most important concussion data ever published in terms of what they could mean for supporting brain health, and also for future brain injury research," said Mark Faulkner, founder and CEO of Vireo Systems. "We continue to invest in studies that expand the science of Creatine HCl and its role in supporting overall health."
Why Creatine Matters for the Brain
Creatine plays a central role in the brain's energy supply, helping regenerate ATP, the primary fuel for brain cells, during periods of high demand (Institute of Medicine, 2011). After a head injury, the brain enters a state of energy crisis, as demand for cellular fuel rises while the brain's ability to produce it drops (Giza & Hovda, 2014). This study explored whether Creatine HCl can help support brain cell energy and functional recovery in animals through that period of injury and inflammation.
About the Study
The research studied CON-CRĒT ® Creatine HCl, the #1 absorbed creatine. These results cannot be generalized to any other creatine formulations like creatine monohydrate.
The study was funded by Vireo Systems, Inc. but researchers conducted the study independently, and Vireo/CON-CRĒT had no role in data generation, analysis or interpretation.
About CON-CRĒT® Creatine HCl
CON-CRĒT® is the original patented Creatine HCl brand and a leader in highly bioavailable creatine supplementation. Backed by university research and awarded eight U.S. patents, CON-CRĒT® supports muscle health, strength, endurance, athletic performance, muscle recovery, brain health, immune function, cardiovascular wellness, and cellular energy production†. To learn more, visit con-cret.com. For more news, information, and updates about the brand and its products, follow CON-CRĒT® on Instagram and TikTok.
IACUC Statement
The research was conducted within IACUC and NIH (National Institutes of Health) guidelines and requirements for animal research. IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) is a standing independent committee at every research university and institution conducting animal research to ensure ethical treatment and care for animals used in research. University of Nebraska Medical Center IACUC reviewed and approved this research and its protocols.
Disclaimer: This was a preclinical study conducted in mice. Its findings have not been replicated in humans.
SOURCE CON-CRĒT
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