Creatine aids the body in both cell protection and energy stabilization through its natural chemical processes and is produced in the liver, kidneys and pancreas. Creatine is obtained from dietary protein, but 95 percent of the body's creatine is found in skeletal muscle. Recently, creatine has been used as a supplement for athletes due to its supposed performance enhancement side effects. Understanding creatine's primary chemical reactions in the body can provide insight into emerging research that indicates creatine is a catalyst for improved athletic performance.
Energy Production
Creatine undergoes a chemical reaction in the muscles that is necessary for the body to produce energy. Adenosine triphosphate molecules, or ATP, is the body's main energy source. When energy levels are low, creatine aids in the restoration of the ATP molecules. Creatine must first be turned into phosphocreatine by a phosphate molecule attaching itself to the creatine molecule. When ATP levels are low, the phosphocreatine undergoes a second chemical reaction to supplement the depleted levels. The phosphocreatine releases a phosphate molecule that attaches itself to the molecule adenosine diphosphate, or ADP. This chemical transfer allows the ADP molecule to be transferred back into ATP, and energy levels are restored.
Energy Transfer
Creatine and phosphocreatine also transfer energy from the production sites of the body to the consumption sites. The mitochondria of the cell, also known as the cell's powerhouse, generates the body's ATP molecules. This is the primary site of energy production in the body. Both creatine and phosphocreatine carry the ATP molecules to the cytosol of the cell. Most of the body's energy expenditure takes place in the cytosol of the cell.
Cell Protection
Creatine may also help in the prevention of tissue damage by helping stabilize the body's protective membranes. Each of the body's nerve cells is surrounded by a protective outer layer. Inside each of the nerve cells is a protein called mitochondrial creatine kinase. This protein binds to the outer membrane, making it more stable. When free radicals attack the nerve cells, the protein becomes weak and the outer protective membrane can be destroyed. Along with stabilizing the cell membrane, creatine and phosphocreatine reduce the toxic effects of glutamate in the body by decreasing its production. Glutamate molecules act as nerve cell messengers, but when produced in excess become dangerous to the cell.
Creatine Side Effects
Many athletes have begun to supplement with creatine in order to increase the levels of muscular creatine in the body. Supplementing with additional creatine may cause dangerous chemical reactions in the body. According to Dr. Mark Jenkins, creatine supplementation results in elevated urinary concentrations. These increases can be as large as 90 times the normal amount. Urine is formed in the renal tubes, and the concentrated urine can destroy the tubes, leading to kidney stones. Possible damage to the kidneys can also occur, leading to disease and loss of function.
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