Creatine for Recovery and Thinking in Mothers

The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial is to compare the effects of two doses of creatine monohydrate (5 g/day versus 10 g/day) administered for four weeks in postpartum women. The study will evaluate exercise performance, post-exercise recovery, cognitive function, and brain creatine concentrations in a sub-sample.

Inclusion Criteria: * 6 weeks -12 months postpartum * Body mass index of 18.5-34.9 kg/m2 * Cleared to resume physical activity Exclusion Criteria: * Experienced a musculoskeletal injury, excluding a Cesarean delivery,within the past three months that inhibits participation in the study. * Has chronic kidney disease, liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or cancer * Currently using medications that may directly impact the primary outcomes including: diuretics and corticosteroids). * Has uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes, or has recently started medication, without a stable dose for 3 consecutive months. * Currently using creatine monohydrate or other performance-enhancing supplements * Has a self-identified or clinically diagnosed eating disorder * Taking or having supplemented with creatine monohydrate in the last 28-days * Medical contradictions for physical exercise * Has participated in another clinical trial within 4-weeks prior to enrollment that in the opinion of the PI would influence the results. * Has severely impaired hearing or speech or inability to speak English. * Unwilling or unable to comply with the study protocol, including abstaining from caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and physical activity before testing days. * Is currently pregnant. * Has a known allergy to the transducer gel used for the ultrasound * Has a known allergy to creatine monohydrate