Creatine is one of the most popular sports supplements on the market but some people don’t even know what it is.
Discovered in 1832, creatine monohydrate gets its name from the Greek word for flesh, Kreas and is a nitrogenous organic acid that occurs naturally and helps to supply energy to muscle. Creatine is a colorless, crystalline substance used in muscle tissue for the production of phosphocreatine, an important factor in the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the source of energy for muscle contraction and many other functions in the body.
Creatine supplements are generally used to enhance athletic performance, particularly for high-intensity, short duration exercise or sports with alternating low and high intensity efforts such as football, hockey and soccer. Most creatine products are well absorbed and tolerated by the stomach.
Creatine is produced naturally in the human liver, pancreas, and kidneys but red meats and fish are also rich sources of it. Vegetarians may have lower levels of creatine but supplementation can compensate for it.
Athletes and people involved in intense physical activity, especially those limiting their intake of red meat, may have low muscle stores of creatine. Several muscle diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic circulatory are associated with lowered creatine levels.
Avoid excessive intake of caffeine to maximize results of creatine, as large amounts may counteract the benefits of creatine supplementation. Most people like to drink energy drinks, normally high in caffeine. So, what should you do?
Moderation is the secret word for a successful workout as caffeine in moderation should not interfere with the results of creatine supplements.
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Discovered in 1832, creatine monohydrate gets its name from the Greek word for flesh, Kreas and is a nitrogenous organic acid that occurs naturally and helps to supply energy to muscle. Creatine is a colorless, crystalline substance used in muscle tissue for the production of phosphocreatine, an important factor in the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the source of energy for muscle contraction and many other functions in the body.
Creatine supplements are generally used to enhance athletic performance, particularly for high-intensity, short duration exercise or sports with alternating low and high intensity efforts such as football, hockey and soccer. Most creatine products are well absorbed and tolerated by the stomach.
Creatine is produced naturally in the human liver, pancreas, and kidneys but red meats and fish are also rich sources of it. Vegetarians may have lower levels of creatine but supplementation can compensate for it.
Athletes and people involved in intense physical activity, especially those limiting their intake of red meat, may have low muscle stores of creatine. Several muscle diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic circulatory are associated with lowered creatine levels.
Avoid excessive intake of caffeine to maximize results of creatine, as large amounts may counteract the benefits of creatine supplementation. Most people like to drink energy drinks, normally high in caffeine. So, what should you do?
Moderation is the secret word for a successful workout as caffeine in moderation should not interfere with the results of creatine supplements.
Share This