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Dr Amir Khan has backed a supplement he believes 'everyone should try' because of its extensive range of health benefits. The medical expert even suggests that taking the supplement could help reduce someone's chances of developing Alzheimer's Disease, with early findings appearing "promising". Dr Khan, MB, ChB (Hons), MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, is an NHS GP at The Ridge Medical Practice in Bradford. He has gained recognition for sharing his medical knowledge online and across television platforms. The doctor frequently features on popular TV programmes, including ITV's Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning, and Loose Women, reports the Mirror . During his free time, he keeps his social media accounts updated with health guidance and recommendations. To reach even more people nationwide, the GP has also created a fresh podcast series alongside co-presenter Cherry Healey. Before the launch of their latest episode, due out this week, Dr Khan offered his 13.4k Instagram followers a preview of what's to come in the forthcoming show. Posting a brief teaser from the new episode, Dr Khan announced: "The SECRET supplement you HAVE to try! Don't miss next week's episode of No Appointment Necessary !" During the show, the NHS medic and Cherry discuss various supplements, including debunking popular misconceptions and unveiling the three supplements Dr Amir advocates for—creatine being one of them. Creatine is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and can also be found in certain foods, supplying energy to muscle and brain tissue. As a nutritional supplement, usually available as creatine monohydrate, creatine is frequently utilised by sportspeople to improve performance and increase muscle mass during brief periods of intense exercise. Certain research indicates it may also support cognitive function. Speaking to viewers in the footage, Dr Khan said: "What is the hot topic around creatine now? We know it works for people who are in sports, but does it work for everyone else as well?" He continues: "There's really interesting research looking at it to help reduce the risk or progression of Alzheimer's dementia. We haven't got strong enough to say yes now, but there are really promising results coming out that just make me go 'wow', this could be really important." The footage concludes with the medic emphasising: "And that is why I really think, as we get older, it's one of the supplements I would strongly recommend." You can purchase creatine in different formats, including powder and tablets, from most health and fitness shops. Boots, Superdrug and Holland and Barrett are amongst the retailers stocking creatine. Boots, for instance, is currently offering a container of 250 Myprotein Impact Creatine Monohydrate Capsules for £20, working out at 8p per tablet. Creatine is a popular supplement amongst athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It's primarily used to enhance performance in high-intensity, short-duration activities such as weightlifting, sprinting, and team sports. Creatine is one of the most researched and effective dietary supplements for boosting strength, power, and muscle growth. As Dr Khan pointed out, there are other reasons to consider taking creatine. These include potential health benefits related to ageing and possibly enhancing brain function to ward off certain severe neurological conditions. By aiding in the regeneration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's primary energy source, creatine enables you to train harder and longer, increasing strength and power. Creatine also increases the water content in muscle cells, causing them to swell and trigger pathways leading to muscle growth. Over time, this improved training performance results in increased muscle mass. Creatine is known to lessen muscle cell damage and inflammation that can happen during intense workouts, aiding in quicker recovery between sets and exercises. It's particularly beneficial for athletes engaged in power sports like weightlifting, sprinting, and football, as it enhances performance during repeated, short bursts of intense activity. Similarly, creatine can boost phosphocreatine levels in the brain, leading to increased ATP production. This can result in improved memory, reasoning skills, and mental clarity, especially during periods of stress or sleep deprivation. For the elderly, creatine could help counteract the natural decrease in muscle mass and bone mineral density that comes with ageing. When combined with resistance training, it can enhance both physical performance and cognitive health. Some research suggests that creatine might have therapeutic benefits for neurological conditions such as Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, although more studies are needed. While there isn't enough evidence yet to definitively say that creatine can lower the risk of dementia, some studies are yielding positive results. The effect of creatine on the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is still under investigation, but early findings are promising. A pilot study carried out in 2025 involving human Alzheimer's patients suggested that supplementing with creatine increased brain creatine levels and was associated with improvements in cognitive performance. The initial study only involved 20 participants and lacked both a placebo control and blinding. Due to these constraints, more extensive clinical trials are required before any definitive conclusions can be drawn. Creatine has the potential to safeguard brain cells against harm from oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are recognized contributors to neurodegenerative diseases. The recent pilot study involving humans showed that taking creatine supplements was linked to better performance on various cognitive assessments, particularly in areas such as working memory, attention, and reading. In other research, studies using mouse models suggest that creatine may boost brain energy metabolism and reduce disease markers. However, further comprehensive clinical trials are needed to confirm these results and determine whether creatine can be utilised as a preventive or treatment strategy. Currently, there is no clinically approved dosage for administering creatine in the context of neurological disorders. In the preliminary study, a high dosage of 20 grams per day was used over an eight-week period to increase brain levels. If you or a loved one is battling Alzheimer's disease, it's crucial to consult a doctor before starting any new supplement, such as creatine. Although it is generally considered safe for healthy individuals, those with existing health conditions should discuss potential risks and benefits with their healthcare professional. Always consult your GP before attempting anything new or making significant alterations to your diet and lifestyle. Creatine ranks amongst the most researched and secure supplements on the market, although some individuals might encounter mild, short-lived side effects. One typical reaction is an early rise in weight caused by increased water retention in muscles rather than fat accumulation. Some people may also suffer digestive upset, queasiness, or loose bowels, especially during a "loading phase" involving high dosages. Maintaining good hydration and opting for a smaller daily amount can prove helpful. There's no proof that creatine supplementation harms kidney performance for people in good health. Those with pre-existing kidney problems should obtain medical guidance before beginning supplementation. It is improbable that creatine leads to hair loss. This worry originates from a small 2009 study that has not been repeated and had considerable limitations.
