The Truth About 'Creatine'

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The Creatine Story

The cells in our body are energized by a compound called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). We create ATP in several ways, depending on the strength of our chosen hard work. As long as we can in-take adequate oxygen to feed the process, our body turns carbohydrates and fats into ATP. Although for all-out efforts lasting a meagre three to five seconds - think weight lifting, or football tackles, we can't breathe in enough oxygen to produce the amount ATP we need. Here is where creatine comes into act. Creatine is an amino acid sourced compound formed biologically in the human body which is made by the liver and kidney in the body. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and absorbed from the food and drink through animal products and meat. Creatine is the resource of energy for several functions of the body as well as muscle contraction. It is a colorless, crystalline matter used in the formation of muscle tissues for the creation of phosphocreatine, which acting an significant role in the formation of ATP. That's why, Creatine is necessary in the body for its functioning and contraction of muscles. Its changed form in the molecule in the body is referred as 'Phosphocreatine' which functions as a storage pool for quick energy. Creatine is one of the most familiar nutritional supplements amongst the bodybuilding and sports industry.

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Creatine Supplementation:


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It has been theorized that supplementing the diet with added creatine may improve muscular contraction. Source for this lies within the hypothesis that extra creatine will be added to the active pool in the muscle, which will permit for more creatine phosphate to be produced and ultimately be drawn upon for energy during forceful muscular action. Due to the nature of creatine's function, it can be supposed that enhancing its muscular pool concentration will clearly affect only those activities that rely heavily upon this anaerobic energy pathway. In other words, survival activity, which relies mainly on aerobic methods of energy production, will not gain from creatine supplementation. Researches performed examining creatine's ergogenic effects on survival activity have shown this to be true. It can also be extrapolated in a limited fashion from existing studies that creatine supplementation is most efficient in improving performance in activities with particular rest-to-work ratios.

For an example, running has a rest-to-work ratio of nearly 1:1, meaning the rest phase is more or less equal to that of the work phase. Exercises such as football, basketball, rowing, or weightlifting, have larger ratios phase. As a result, it can be supposed that greater creatine resynthesis will take place, allowing more room for advantage, according to this hypothesis. At the same time as it is possible to obtain adequate creatine in the diet, it would be necessary to eat approximately 2.4 pounds of raw beef per day to receive a standard maintenance dose of creatine (5grams) (heating severely reduces creatine's bioavailability). It is essential to "load" your body with exogenous creatine for a period of time in order to adequately saturate you body's capacity.




Weight Lifter 

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Creatine Levels

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We are well aware that creatine is an amino acid that naturally occurs in the body. It is created by the liver and kidneys and used as an energy resource by muscles and other organs. Creatine can also be absorbed naturally through eating certain meats, poultry, and fish. Only creatine supplements can generate high creatine levels in the body. Elevated creatine levels have been shown to get better sports performance when bursts of energy are compulsory. This dietary supplement is used in sports such as weightlifting, running, wrestling, football and hockey. It is generally taken as a pill or powder that can be mixed with sports drinks.The manufacturer of creatine supplements claim that high creatine levels fuel skeletal muscles. The supplement has been obtainable for around 12 years and can be acquired in health food stores and online. Nothing like many steroids, creatine is not illegal. According to health and sports administrator, the side effects of creatine can consist of muscle cramps, dehydration, and nausea.

One more side effect of high creatine levels is frontal compartment pressure. This develops as tightness in the calf and/or shin splints. Other eminent side effects of high creatine levels involve diarrhea and tears to the ligaments.According to latest data, sales of creatine have increased by 730 per cent in the last ten years. Even if creatine is legal and easy to purchase, some fear have arisen regarding the content of the supplements. Health officials have stated that at least 25 paer cent of these dietary supplements are laced with substances that are not scheduled on the packaging.

Contemporary pressure is one of the intentions that creatine is such a big seller. The pressure to struggle and win in today's society, no matter what the cost, has been a big aspect in the rise in sales of these supplements. Creatine has been used in competitive sports at the university and high school level and contestants with high creatine levels have been found at nearly every sporting level from amateur to professional.Several athletic coaches are well aware that students are using these dietary supplements to improve their capability. A recent research by the Blue Cross showed that one million people from the age of 12 to 17 have used dietary supplements to improve their sports performance. The long term distress of high creatine levels have yet to be determined.




Creatine Powder

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Warning

Creatine is a dietary supplement considered to improve athletic performance. Creatine monohydrate has increasingly been used as an alternative for steroids. Many people who would never touch steroids have claimed to utilize creatine as a performance enhancer. On the other hand, as with many steroids, high creatine levels in the body have been found to have adverse effects. Better consult your Doctor for more information




Creatine Voting (Plexo)

Prolab-Creatine Monohydrate Powder, 600 Gram

Prolab-Creatine Monohydrate Powder, 600 Gram

Creatine is a natural compound found in our bodies more...0 points

TwinLab Creatine Fuel Stack Performance Enhancer, Strength, Capsules, 180-Count Bottle

TwinLab Creatine Fuel Stack Performance Enhancer, Strength, Capsules, 180-Count Bottle

This dietary supplement is designed to enhance per more...0 points

100% Pure Creatine Monohydrate Powder 2.2 lbs

100% Pure Creatine Monohydrate Powder 2.2 lbs

Creatine Monohydrate is a naturally occurring comp more...0 points

BSN NO-XPLODE-Nitric Oxide Creatine, 2.25 lbs Fruit Punch (50 Servings)

BSN NO-XPLODE-Nitric Oxide Creatine, 2.25 lbs Fruit Punch (50 Servings)

The world's first and only pre-workout supplement more...0 points

Dymatize Nutrition Micronized Creatine, 2.42-Pound Tub

Dymatize Nutrition Micronized Creatine, 2.42-Pound Tub

Dietary Supplement. 100% Pure pharmaceutical grade more...0 points

Does Creatine Increase Strength?


Our muscles are made up of separate fibres - type I (slow) and type II (fast). Type I is energized by a compound called ATP, which is fired by oxygen, and give us stamina. It's the type II fibres that let loose the explosive force needed to lift barbells and a loaded travel case. Otherwise what we call 'strength'. Moreover owing to the greatness of the effort, these fibres don't use the oxygen-generated ATP route. In scientific terms, this makes them 'anaerobic'. As every body builder knows, the more they work these type II fibres, the stronger and bigger they become. Anaerobic exercise like weight-lifting is the most favourable stimulus for muscle growth and creatine is the feed your muscles need for this anaerobic exercise. It gives you superior anaerobic energy stores, and thus sets the stage for successive muscle growth and strength gain. In other words, it gives you the energy to do the work. However you still have to do the work.

When creatine is enhanced, muscle creatine stores become elevated, improving the ability of muscles to execute high-intensity work. Those who take lead of this ability to train more deeply can develop more strength. However, plainly taking creatine without the proper training will not build strength.



Does Creatine Work For The Muscle Growth?


You may perhaps have heard bodybuilders say that much of the muscle size gains you definitely get after taking creatine come from momentary water retention, rather than any real thickening of muscle fibres. Creatine draw water when it gathers in a cell. The water flows into the cell in a effort to dilute the creatine, causing the cell to swell. This is likely to be largely noticeable when you start taking creatine, in the loading phase when your powder intake is maximum. Studies report decreases in urine creation during the loading phase. There is extra to it than just water in and water out, though. With more creatine and water in the muscle, the muscle cell is volumised, which helps to initiate protein synthesis, reduce protein breakdown and increase glycogen synthesis. If a muscle is then trained correctly, this could lead to better growth. Most users go through notable weight increases when they begin a course of creatine upto3kg especially the first time they use it. But the majority of this weight gain is from the cell volumising result, which isn't stable. Some weight gain is from an enlargement in muscle tissue, though. Research has shown that cratine- supplemented subjects gain considerably more lean body mass than non-creatine-supplemented individuals.




What Others Says:

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How to Use Creatine

Takin' Creatine
by cpo2u | video info

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Does Creatine Speed Up Recovery?


The concept goes like this: the harder the workout, the larger the damage to your muscles; and the more damage, the more time you'll need to get well. And as creatine's entire modus operandi requires enabling you to do harder workouts, you'd expect that taking the powder would extend your recovery times. On the other hand, the studies advise that recovery between sessions isn't slowed by creatine. So, if the sessions of three-times weekly resistances work, there were no adverse effects. As for essentially speeding up recovery this is certainly probable theoretically, because creatine seems to promote the uptake of water and glycogen into muscle cess. These are essential building blocks for muscle recovery, but more research is needed.



Is It Safe To Use?


In Short Term: The major potential sort-term risks appear to be cramp and dehydration. While creatine draws water into the muscles, it's essential that if you're using it, you also raise your water intake. It is very important that anyone taking creatine and performing strenuous exercise drinks plenty of water. If you are supplementing, invariable hydration is vital. Drink at least 30ml of water daily, per Kg of Body weight, while taking creatine - approximately 10-15 glasses of water per day for an normal -sized man. A negative side effect is identified when you get off creatine. You may observe a sharp decrease in your energy level, and your body might 'deflate' a little as you lose the extra water weight. It may also cause renal stress in people with kidney problem.

In Long term: This is where you actually are taking a step into the unknown. Since creatine supplementation has only been widespread for the last decade, long term study is decidedly slim on the ground. The scientific community just doesn't know yet, so there's no absconding the fact that when you take the powder, you're taking a risk.



Creatine Capsules

Optimum Nutrition Creatine 2500mg, 300 Capsules

Amazon Price: $21.65 (as of 02/15/2012)Buy Now

Dietary Supplement. In two convenient capsules. Creapure. Optimum Nutrition's Creatine 2500 Caps are manufactured with the same Creatine Monohydrate found in our other premium creatine products. Each capsule is formulated for rapid disintegration and maximum absorption. Two capsules provide a whopping 2,500 mg (2.5 grams) of pure Creatine Monohydrate.

Blog Posts from Google

Supplements: Are they safe?
Those who are looking to build muscle and improve performance often tout the benefits of protein, creatine, and CLA. Though studies on creatine and CLA are mixed, all three are generally considered safe if taken at recommended levels.
Mechanism of nitrogen metabolism-related parameters and enzyme activities in ...
Levels of creatine, urea, ammonia, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate:glutamine (Glu:Gln) ratio, and enzymatic activities of glutamate dehydrogenase, 5'-nucleotidase, and adenosine deaminase (ADA) were determined in plasma samples from both ...
Muscle Pharm Infringed Creatine Formula: Suit
The complaint alleges that Muscle Pharm is violating ThermoLife's US Patent Number 7777074, which covers amino acid compounds including creatine nitrate. ThermoLife claims it purchased Muscle Pharm's ?Creatine? supplement from a GNC store in Chandler, ...
Explain drug laws in Sinhala too
He merely accepted on face value the assurance that the product was ?creatine?. In paragraph 32 - ?I was introduced to this ?creatine? product called ?Hemo-Rage? by my school coach and weight lifter xxxx xxxxx who never mentioned about the ill-effects ...

Nitric Oxide Creatine

BSN N.O.-Xplode Extreme Pre-Training Performance Igniter, Fruit Punch 2.25 lb (1025 g)

Amazon Price: $30.00 (as of 02/15/2012)Buy Now

The world's first and only pre-workout supplement that produces immediate results in energy, size, strength, pumps, performance, mental focus, and training intensity. You will literally see and feel it working within minutes of taking it! Training Energy, Motivation and Intensity; Mental Alertness and Focus; Muscle Fullness, Vascularity and Pumps; Strength, Power, Endurance and Work Capacity; Resistance to Muscle Fatigue; Blood Flow and Delivery of Oxygen and Nutrients to Muscle Tissue; Healthy Nitric Oxide (N.O.) Levels; muscle Carnosine Content; Hydrogen Ion (H+) Buffering; Anaerobic Working Capacity of Muscle Tissue; Creatine Absorption, Transport and Bio availability.

How To Take It?

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About Loading Dose?


Most creatine merchandise suggest you take a Loading Dose over the first five days (five grams four times a day) so your muscles become soaked with this stuff. But recent study backs the cynics' view that this is simply a trick to get us to use more. A loading phase is not required to gain from creatine. One research observed a considerable rise in muscle creatine in response to only 3grams a day. So it is simply sceptical marketing! One benefit of a loading phase is that the reimbursement of supplementation will appear sooner. But comparable gains in muscle creatine content can be acquired with smaller doeses taken for three to four weeks. And omitting the loading phase will lower renal stress and the risk of possible gastrointestinal problems. So, unless you're in an abnormal hurry, don't bother about "loading".



When To Take It?


Without any doubt, the best time to take a creatine supplement is straight away after a exercise. It is a window of prospect when your muscles are most receptive to taking up the substance. Take full benefits of this by taking creatine with a source of plain sugars, such as fruit juice, and whey protein at once after exercise. These three nutrients, in union with the anabolic hormones that are released through exercise, will merge to build new muscle and boost depleted energy reserves.



How Much To Take?


If you go for a loading phase, then, after the first five days, 2grams daily is adequate to keep your muscles saturated for up to 30 days. There is slight evidence to show that supplementing for any longer than this is effective. If you have not loaded, 3grams a day does the magic.



How Long To Take It For?


Many athletes follow five week cycles - One week loading, four weeks' maintenance, then five weeks' off.



What To Take It With?


At the start, make sure you have your creatine with some carbohydrates to ensure easier absorption. Creatine should be taken with carbohydrate. You require about 80grams of carbohydrates per 3.5 grams of creatine. But, it must be only for the first few days. After that, lately take the creatine on it's own. Necking your powder in a hot sugared drink (though not boiling as creatine is damaged at very high temperatures) so it disband more easily, along with some fruit or fruit juice.

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  • Reply
    DoesP90XWork Feb 5, 2012 @ 3:43 pm | delete
    Thanks for mentioning the info about the loading dose. When creatine first came out, I recall there was a bit of controversy, all because of a misunderstanding about how much of this stuff to take. There were some reports saying that it could damage your internal organs. However, this can happen if you take too much of just about anything. I recall there used to be different creatine products with different suggested doses on their labeling - which didn't help of course. Fortunately, this incredible substance no longer suffers from this confusion, as it's now better understood.
  • Reply
    laurenroe Dec 29, 2011 @ 12:43 pm | delete
    Great synopsis! I linked to your article from my lens. As a major potential side-effect, I understand there have been document cases of kidney failure with over doing it with creatine. It does appear in some of the research literature. Thank you for the great article/lens!
  • Reply
    Msqdoo Dec 3, 2011 @ 12:32 pm | delete
    Thank you for sharing this lens, its helpful.
  • Reply
    happynutritionist Mar 21, 2011 @ 11:14 pm | delete
    I'm personally not much for supplements that are for body building, but this covers other territory and you've put together an attractive, informative page...since some may suffer adverse affects, maybe a disclaimer should be added? Up to you, but based on content and information, I'm blessing and adding to Diet and Nutrition Angel:-)
  • Reply
    FitnessUncovered Mar 13, 2011 @ 9:09 am | delete
    If you do supplement with creatine - no need to "load" as mentioned in this article, it is pretty much useless, and just ensures you go through your tub quicker!
  • Reply
    RinchenChodron Mar 9, 2011 @ 10:57 am | delete
    I say avoid any supplement that could cause problems if it is elevated. Sorry I'm not going to do it.
  • Reply
    Harshitha Jan 27, 2011 @ 12:05 am | delete
    Biochemistry class! Awesome lens! very useful too as I did not know anything much about it. Thank you
  • Reply
    Tipi Jan 14, 2011 @ 12:09 pm | delete
    I had never heard of creatine before, so this was very informative and interesting to me. Well done!
  • Reply
    Dec 15, 2009 @ 3:56 am | delete
    Interesting read, I learn something in Squidoo everyday. 5 stars and favorited!
  • Reply
    sandyspider Oct 15, 2009 @ 11:58 pm | delete
    Nice write up. I did take this years ago. I'm one of those that takes it faithfully and then forgets it for awhile. I have to get back into these minerals.

Disclaimer:

Warning: These are all general information about Creatine. Before buying or consuming products displayed in this page, better consult your Doctor and follow his advice. Author of this page is not responsible for any adverse effects of this supplement.

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