The Vertue Podcast

#25 - Creatine while breastfeeding - SHOULD YOU?


Listen Later

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most requested topics I’ve had all year:

“Can I take creatine while breastfeeding?”

I unpack what creatine actually is, how it supports not just physical recovery but also cognitive function, and why it might be helpful postpartum (but why you need to make your own educated choice).

I cover:

  • How creatine helps with muscle energy, recovery, and strength

  • The emerging research around creatine and cognition — and why doses above 5g may be necessary for mental clarity

  • What we know (and don’t know) about creatine during lactation

  • A new 2023 animal study showing creatine’s role in reducing neuroinflammation and improving postnatal development

  • How to take it safely, what type to choose, and when it might not be appropriate

  • And finally — why some critics think creatine is overrated.

This episode isn’t about hype or fear — it’s about giving you the tools, context, and confidence to make an informed decision that supports your performance, recovery, and brain health.


Research:

  • Rae et al., 2003 – Creatine supplementation improves cognitive performance in sleep-deprived individuals

  • McMorris et al., 2007 – Creatine and cognitive performance: a review of the literature

  • Avgerinos et al., 2018 – Meta-analysis on the cognitive effects of creatine

  • Gouveia et al., 2023 – Creatine supplementation increases postnatal growth and strength and prevents overexpression of IL-6 in the hippocampus in an experimental model of cerebral palsy (PMID: 37141266)

  • ISSN Position Stand, 2021 – Creatine Supplementation and Exercise


Disclaimer:
This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your GP, dietitian, or women’s health specialist before starting any new supplementation, especially while breastfeeding.


...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Vertue PodcastBy Shona Vertue

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

42 ratings


More shows like The Vertue Podcast

View all
Age Better with Liz Earle by Liz Earle

Age Better with Liz Earle

251 Listeners

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett by DOAC

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

8,791 Listeners

The Doctor's Kitchen Podcast by Dr Rupy Aujla

The Doctor's Kitchen Podcast

604 Listeners

Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee by Dr Rangan Chatterjee: GP & Author

Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

4,029 Listeners

Happy Place by Fearne Cotton

Happy Place

1,010 Listeners

The Wellness Scoop by The Wellness Scoop

The Wellness Scoop

1,345 Listeners

How To Fail With Elizabeth Day by Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment

How To Fail With Elizabeth Day

1,165 Listeners

On Purpose with Jay Shetty by iHeartPodcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

27,649 Listeners

Just As Well, The Women's Health Podcast by Women's Health UK

Just As Well, The Women's Health Podcast

19 Listeners

Live Well Be Well with Sarah Ann Macklin | Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition by Sarah Ann Macklin

Live Well Be Well with Sarah Ann Macklin | Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition

43 Listeners

Working Hard with Grace Beverley by Grace Beverley

Working Hard with Grace Beverley

205 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

20,649 Listeners

A Really Good Cry by iHeartPodcasts

A Really Good Cry

280 Listeners

The Kirsty Gallagher Podcast by Kirsty Gallagher

The Kirsty Gallagher Podcast

31 Listeners

Begin Again with Davina McCall by Begin Again

Begin Again with Davina McCall

609 Listeners