Athletes use a creatine supplement because it enhances sports performance. Although available in organ meats, it’s hard to get enough in a dietary form to stimulate a noticeable improvement in performance. While the supplemental form of creatine is new, creatine itself was first discovered by Michel Eugène Chevreun as far back as 1832.
This nitrogenous organic acid supplies energy to all cells when Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) replenishes depleted energy reserves. The highest concentration of creatine is in the blood, brain, muscles, and testes.
A Boost to Athletic Performance
Creatine has acquired an almost mythical status among athletes because of the many performance-enhancing benefits it delivers when taken in the right way through a proper loading cycle.
If you are a strength athlete, you will build more muscle mass because of increased intensity. You will also feel almost tireless and lift more than you could before. As a result of these benefits, you will be able to improve your workouts, adding more sets, reps, or weights. Your muscles will look bigger because creatine inflates muscle cells, and this inflation stimulates better protein synthesis and increases body weight.
If you take part in a team sport that requires a stop-and-go type of activity, you will feel less tired because your improved muscular contraction enhanced your performance. And, if you are a track and field athlete, you’ll sprint faster because of improved stamina and increased anaerobic capacity.
Besides improving performance, creatine also plays a significant role in recovery, too. Athletes recover much faster from their game or workout because creatine reduces inflammation and muscle cell damage.
Who Should Take a Creatine Supplement?
The following population will benefit from taking a creatine supplement:
- People who enjoy sports, particularly strength athletes, like bodybuilders and power lifters.
- People who are aging.
- People suffering from a neurodegenerative disease.
- People with low creatine in their diet, like vegans and vegetarians
Is it Safe?
Recent research shows that creatine is safe. It does not cause any cellular damage, nor does it adversely affect the liver, kidneys, heart, or muscles.
When creatine received bad press, it was only because of the side-effects from taking too much. It occurred when athletes exceeded the recommended dosage on the label because they believed that if a little was good, more must be better.
This excessive consumption resulted in side effects. Although not dangerous, these side effects were highly uncomfortable. They included stomach pain, nausea, muscle cramping, and diarrhea.
Bigger, Stronger, Faster
Anyone who is healthy can use creatine. But don’t use it if you have kidney or blood sugar problems. It is especially beneficial for you if you’re an athlete. It can increase fat-free mass, muscle fiber size, myosin, and muscle mass. It will improve your strength, power, and sprint performance. What’s more, creatine makes it easier to recover from faster from any sport, and even enhances bone regeneration.