Low Creatine Levels

Creatine is important because it helps you generate energy. Your body makes creatine from amino acids in the liver, kidney and pancreas. You also get creatine from food. Sometimes what the body makes and stores is not enough, resulting in low creatine levels in your tissues. Low creatine levels are linked to various diseases of the heart, brain and central nervous system. Sometimes, supplements can help raise levels, which may be beneficial if you have one of these diseases, but speak with your physician before supplementing.

Foods to Increase Creatine Levels

The average body contains around 120g of creatine phosphate, but this amount varies per person. Approximately 50 percent of the creatine your body stores comes from what it makes from the amino acids glycine, arginine and methionine. The other 50 percent comes from the foods you eat, unless you supplement. Foods that contain high amounts of creatine and thus can raise your creatine levels are lean meats and fish, especially tuna, salmon and herring. Wild game is the most creatine-rich food, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Low Creatine Levels in Brain Pathologies

People with brain pathologies may benefit from increasing their creatine levels, according to "Life Extension Magazine." Creatine protects the brain from neurotoxic agents, stress and some injuries. A study entitled "Creatine and Cyclocreatine Attentuate MPTP Neurotoxicity" found that the rats consuming creatine were better protected from tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), which is a neurotoxic agent that produces parkinsonism in animals due to impaired energy production, according to "Life Extension Magazine." The study was published in "Experimental Neurology."

Low Creatine Levels and Neuromuscular Diseases

According to "Life Extension Magazine," creatine use in patients with neuromouscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy is one of the most promising areas of research. People suffering from various types of neuromuscular diseases may benefit from improvements in strength and functionality to make daily living easier. Patients with neuromuscular disease showed increased high-intensity strength in two studies published together in "Neurology" in 1999. High-intensity strength is when a person uses 80 to 100 percent of his maximum force. This is different than performing many repetitions of an exercise at a low intensity. The first study included 81 participants and the second tested 21 people. Participants were given 10g of creatine daily for five days and then 5g daily for five days. They showed improvements in handgrip, dorsiflexion and knee extensor strength.

Low Creatine Levels and Heart Disease

Taking creatine may also benefit people with heart disease. Creatine may delay fatigue during exercise in people with congestive heart failure, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fatigue is one of the major symptoms of this disease. Creatine also may reduce levels of homocysteine, which is an indicator of potential heart disease such as heart attack and stroke.

Creatine Supplements

Creatine supplements may increase the creatine levels in your blood. Supplements come in many forms including powders, liquids, tablets, capsules, energy bars and fruit-flavored chews. The exact amount you need depends on your condition and the maximum level you can tolerate. Speak with your doctor for dosage amounts and to determine if supplements are right for you. Also, eating carbohydrates such as fruits and starches may aid your body in absorbing creatine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.