Understanding What Creatine is and its Uses

Professional athletes find several ways on how they can improve their ability to survive intense competitions. One of the common methods is taking performance-enhancing pills and supplements. Since they are being paid to jump higher, run faster, and beat their opponent, it is reasonable that they’ll do whatever it takes to be always on top of their game. Hence, they take creatine, which improves muscle mass and obtains a significant amount of strength.

Creatine is popular because it can easily be accessed, which can come in energy bars, drink mixes, powder, and tablets. These products are readily available without any prescription from a medical physician. Consumers can simply get them in nutrition shops, pharmacies, supermarkets, and online retailers.

Creatine Defined

Despite being considered as a natural substance, there have been many comprehensive research studies conducted over time. Scientists are still sceptical about its effects on the human body. But there was a number of evidence proving that such substances are harmless for high-intensity activities.

This natural substance transforms into creatine phosphate inside the human body. It will then have another molecular process, which becomes an energy source for muscle contractions. Generally, a human body is capable of producing this organic compound it needs. Moreover, protein-rich food like fish and meat can supply ample amounts of such a substance.

Its Uses

Some time ago, there was a discovery that taking this organic compound in supplements can develop physical performance. As the years passed, athletes began to embrace its benefits, so it became a recognised sports supplement. The majority of users belong to multiple groups of various ages that include high school, college, and pro athletes in wrestling, gymnastics, basketball, football, and hockey events.

Some of its known benefits are developing muscle mass, quickening muscle recovery after an exercise, and supplying ample strength. This muscle development may help athletes obtain loads of energy and speed, particularly when doing short periods of high-intensity workouts.

Aside from providing agility and strength, studies show that this substance can also treat many health conditions due to muscle weakness such as Huntington’s disease, heart attacks, and neuromuscular disorders. Additionally, it can reduce the cholesterol level in individuals that have unusually high levels.

For vegans, they tend to have a lower level of this organic compound since they stay away from meat and dairy products, which is the primary natural source. Hence, they opt for over-the-counter supplements instead. With that said, these vegetarians exhibited significant improvement in their memory test and intelligence test after taking supplements. Scientists have concluded that it is indeed beneficial to older adults, especially in their memory recall. Manufacturers of these supplements have specifically created products that will also meet the requirements of older consumers.

Its Dosage

Normally, an individual will only require about 20 grams of this substance per day for one week. They should spread the 20 grams into four separate 5-gram portions to be consumed throughout the day. It can stimulate the absorption by eating protein or a carb-based diet because of the related insulin release.

It is advisable to take such a dosage regularly for a long time. For individuals who prefer not to load up as much, they can lower it down to 5 grams per day. The benefits may take a while, but it is still effective. Health experts strongly recommend staying hydrated when taking such a supplement since it draws liquid into the muscle cells.