Do Eggs Increase My Creatine Levels?

Eggs can be a significant component of a nutritionally balanced diet. They contain 74 calories, 6 grams of protein and a significant amount of beneficial vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium and Vitamin A. Before the question of whether eating eggs increase the body's creatine levels can be answered, creatine's function must first be established.

Creatine or creatine phosphate is stored within the muscles of the body in small quantities. Adenosine triphosphate -- ATP -- is converted by the muscles into energy. This creates the molecule adenosine diphosphate -- ADP . In order for there to be a constant supply of energy the creatine phosphate stores must be broken down to provide phosphate to the ADP molecule which, in turn, forms ATP and the whole process begins again.

It's been established that eggs contain about 6 grams of protein. One of the roles of protein is the repair and maintenance of all tissues of the body. Eggs only provide about 1 gram of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are broken down by the body into glucose which is further converted into ATP for energy. Many of the vitamins and minerals in eggs assist in numerous metabolic functions. Egg are also a source of cholesterol. Cholesterol is a lipid -- fat -- that is an essential component of every cell in the body.

The body operates from three energy systems. The phosphagen system is the first energy system called upon and lasts for the first five to six seconds of any activity. When this system is engaged the muscles are using the energy stored in them. The anaerobic glycolysis system is used after the first 10 seconds of the activity and lasts until about the three minute mark. This system also uses stored energy but replaces it with a waste product called lactic acid. The third system is called aerobic and is the main system used after about three minutes. During this system the body is able to process oxygen while converting fat to new energy for activities.

The macro-nutrients that are most efficiently converted into energy are carbohydrates. The amount of carbohydrates contained in eggs is relatively minor at about 1 gram per egg. Within the muscles, carbohydrates are stored as glucose to be utilized as energy within the first two minutes of an activity. In comparison creatine phosphate is stored in even smaller quantities. Experts advise that carbohydrates should make up about 60 percent of the daily nutritional requirements.

Energy is required for muscles to perform any activity and creatine plays an essential role in the body's energy production. Carbohydrates provide the means for energy, however an egg does not provide a significant amount of carbohydrates. Eggs are a good source of protein, although protein is not used for the production of energy unless the stored carbohydrates are used up. Therefore the only conclusion that can be arrived at is that eggs will not increase the levels of creatine within the body.