Creatine, an amino acid found naturally in the body and in several varieties of food, is a powdery ingredient included in many testosterone and muscle-building supplement products. Creatine is also a main ingredient in prescription drugs, herbal products and vitamin supplements. Sales of the product continue to increase as more people seek help building muscle. The United States Food and Drug Administration has not determined the safety of creatine when used in supplement forms.
History
Chevaul, a scientist from France, discovered creatine in meat in 1832. After many years of study, he determined the amino acid didn't fully expel from the body. Twentieth-century scientists Folin and Denis found cats also have the acid in muscles. Later works discovered creatine in human muscle. These early studies did not advance until the mid 1980s, when a supplement was created to help aid in the creation of muscle mass. The supplement gained in popularity among bodybuilders in the 1990s.
Uses
Creatine is marketed as a testosterone booster to aid in the development of muscle mass. The compound is sold as a product to enhance athletes' abilities. According to the Western Washington University website, creatine works to build muscle mass because the amino acid allows for faster renewal of ATP and because it binds with water in the muscles.
Effects
When creatine monohydrate adds water to the muscle, it facilitates heavier lifting, thereby increasing the muscle strength. Some people believe creatine is more effective when taken with carbohydrates.
Benefits
When creatine monohydrate adds water to the muscle, it facilitates heavier lifting. This increases muscle strength. Some people believe creatine is more effective when taken with carbohydrates. Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, is the muscle activity that occurs a short time after eating meat and fish. It's accumulated in the muscles and is called phosphocreatine in this form. Athletes take large doses of creatine for a day or two before an event in order to increase the muscles' ability to perform harder at the sporting event or training.
Warning
Hydroxycut and other products that utilize this amino acid to boost testosterone and aid in weight management have been recalled by the FDA due to reports of organ damage as well as potential death. These reports have not been substantiated, and investigations are not complete. Other side effects worth noting are the possibility of blood reduction, muscle cramps and heat-related illness. When taken with drugs including Tagamet, probenecid used to treat gout, or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, there is an increased risk of stroke.
