Creatine is a vital amino acid that provides you with energy. As an amino acid, creatine is a necessary component for the production of proteins. Creatine is found various meats and fish and is also produced by your kidneys, liver and pancreas. You can also find creatine supplements. Adequate creatine levels help your body function at a high level.
Source of Energy
Within your body, creatine is converted into creatine phosphate or phosphocreatine, according to an article published in the July 2000 issue of "Physiological Review." These creatine products are stored within your muscles. When you undergo high-intensity but short-term exercise, like weight lifting or sprinting, phosphocreatine is swiftly used as an energy source. Initially, your muscles convert creatine into ATP, the common energy molecule within body.
Enhancement of Muscle Mass
Creatine is used to increase your body's muscle mass, MayoClinic.com reports. Creatine causes an increase not only in muscle mass, but also enhances your overall strength and the total amount of work your muscles can achieve. This effect is typically more apparent in high-performance athletes. Further research is needed to establish the beneficial effects of creatine in patients who do not exercise regularly.
Improve Cardiovascular Health
Your body uses creatine to improve your cardiovascular health. Creatine supplements have often shown the ability to lower triglyceride levels in patients with high triglyceride concentrations, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. Furthermore, when used in patients with congestive heart failure, creatine reduced fatigue and increased exercise tolerance. While creatine is not a treatment for heart disease, it can help reduce the symptoms of heart disease and improve a patient's prognosis.
Side Effects
Common but mild side effects of creatine use include stomach pain, nausea, muscle cramps and diarrhea. High oral doses of creating may cause kidney or liver damage. This is because creatine is metabolized and excreted within these organs. Always talk to a doctor before adding creatine to your diet or exercise regimen.
Member Comments