Creatine Questions, Everything You Need Answered
Monday, October 4th, 2010Creatine – what is it? One of the most popular sports supplements today is Creatine. It is used by many athletes, body builders and sports people. It is an energy replenisher made naturally in our bodies, manufactured in the kidneys, liver and pancreas and secreted into blood, and pumped to muscle tissues. The chemical name is methylguanido-acetic acid, produced from amino acids, methionine, glycine and arginine.
Creatine – does it work? Supplements do exactly that – supplement. But, yes, creatine, when taken at the right dose, will help a person receive the desired effects. Creatine is without doubt the most researched body building supplement of all-time, There is overwhelming evidence that it helps improve muscular performance. Only a small proportion of users report no noticeable improvements using creatine.
What does creatine do in the body? Creatine has a number of functions in the body. It has great energy replenishing qualities, most of these revolve around its function forming the creatine phosphate into ATP.
Creatine replenishes ATP. This is the molecule which when broken down releases energy for the muscle to contract. When used up, ATP needs to be replenished by re-acquiring phosphates. CP acts as a phosphate transporter. CP gives up its phosphate to ATP freeing creatine to form the bi-product creatinine for excretion.
Many studies have shown that higher amounts of creatine present in muscle cells, the more effectively ATP can be replenished, so more ATP is available for energy. The result of this is creatine lets you have more energy to rep heavier weights at higher intensity.
Creatine loading – what is that? This is when a person takes a high dose of creatine for the first few days/weeks. After this period, a lower maintenance dose can be taken as the creatine has now built up in your system. A few studies have been conducted and prove this method to be most beneficial as it achieves a higher concentration of muscle CP than by taking only a maintenance dose alone. The following loading phase is often considered to be the most cost effective and optimal. 10g per day – Week One 5g per day – Week Two & Three 3g per day – Thereafter as maintenance
When will the effects of Creatine become noticeable? This varies from person to person. Often with the cell volumisation effects, you should see an increase in your weight after only the first week. You will begin to feel fuller in your muscles, more energy at the gym and will be able to lift and rep heavier weights within 1-2 weeks. Size and strength gains from creatine will be found within the first month of use.
How much should I drink when taking creatine? There is no exact figure, but a good fluid intake is crucial for your health and athletic performance, irrespective of whether you use creatine or not. Drink regularly and plenty daily, normally at least 2 litres each day. Thirst is never a good sign.
Can you drink alcohol while using creatine? A small amount of alcohol consumed whilst using creatine is ok, as long as it is not too regular. The main problem with alcohol is that it can be a diuretic at higher intakes, so if you do drink make sure you drink plenty of fluid to keep hydrated afterwards.
Are there any side effects when using creatine? Large quantities of Creatine monohydrate have been shown in many studies to be safe. However there are some side effects of creatine which you need to be aware of before starting a new course of the supplement. Nausea and Headaches are sometimes reported which is easily rectified by drinking plenty of fluid. At least 2 litres per day is suggested.
Is creatine supplementation for me? The aim of this article was for you to make up your own mind to answer this final question. Creatine is the most researched of all sports supplements and is still raved about by many sports people of different disciplines and definitely has a role in bodybuilding. However, despite the scientific hype, creatine is not the be-all-and-end-all of supplements in bodybuilding, as you can build an excellent physique without ever touching it. It is certainly no replacement for a good diet and more fundamental supplements like quality protein powders. It definitely may be worth giving creatine monohydrate supplementation a try to see for yourself, and I do not doubt that you will see and feel positive results.
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