SYDNEY, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- A new study indicates the dietary supplement creatine -- known to improve athletic performance -- may also boost memory and intelligence.
Creatine, a natural compound found in muscle tissue, has been popular with athletes looking for ways to increase fitness.
But now researchers at two Australian schools -- the University of Sydney and Macquarie University -- say creatine also plays a role in maintaining energy levels to the brain and taking more creatine might improve mental performance.
The researchers told the BBC they tested their hypothesis by giving creatine supplements to 45 young adult volunteers for six-week periods.
Their ability to repeat back from memory long sequences of numbers was tested, and a general IQ test also given to the volunteers.
The researchers found the subjects' ability to remember long numbers improved from a number length of approximately seven digits, to an average of 8.5.
