5 Amazing Things You Need to Know About Creatine

What is creatine? How does it work? Do athletes really need creatine supplements? Are they safe? These are just probably some of the most asked questions regarding the substance. To answer these, let’s discuss some facts:

1. Creatine is a naturally occurring molecule in your body.

Creatine, as detailed by University of Maryland Medical Center , is a naturally-occurring amino acid (protein building block) that's found in meat and fish, and also made by the human body in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas.

It’s then turned into a chemical called creatine phosphate or phosphocreatine. It becomes stored in the muscle to provide your body with energy.

No, creatine is not only confined as a supplement, and yes, it is a natural occurring substance inside the body but it can also be made inside a laboratory.

2. Creatine helps volumize muscles.

When it comes to athletes and gym enthusiasts, creatine supplements are a staple. There may be myths and debates surrounding the supplement, but let’s get everything straight: creatine supplements do wonders for the muscles and here’s a piece of evidence to support it.

According to Live Science, creatine does show promise in athletic training, particularly for high-intensity movements such as sprinting. Studies showed that 16 amateur swimmers found that those who took creatine supplements had a lower heart rate and blood lactate levels (a measure of tired muscles) after swimming sprints compared with athletes who took a placebo.

There were also some small studies that have shown creatine increasing lean muscle mass, strength and speed.

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3. Creatine supplements are safe.

They are 100% safe to consume but just like any other supplement, they should be taken with caution. You shouldn’t take too much and there’s a required dosage for your body weight and for an appropriate length of time. You can check this link for more creatine intake FAQs: http://bit.ly/2tHNcVb.

High doses of creatine can cause many uncomfortable side effects like nausea, loose stools, cramping, upset stomach, weakness, weight gain, and dizziness among many other symptoms. More serious signs include high blood pressure, liver dysfunction and kidney damage. Make sure that you take the proper amount to achieve desired results and avoid serious illnesses.

4. Creatine causes weight gain.

You might be thinking, how can a “muscle-builder” make me gain weight? Well, as detailed by Fox News, creatine is a molecule that has a very strong attraction for water. So technically, it does, cause you to gain―thru water. It pulls H2O into your muscles, which causes water-weight gain and makes muscles look bigger initially.

5. Creatine is not a steroid.

Creatine has often been associated with anabolic steroids because it provides the user higher levels of energy and increases muscle mass.

Though they both enhance performance, creatine is more of a vitamin or mineral than a steroid. Steroids are synthetic and illegal (in most countries), creatine supplements are legal and can even be purchased over-the-counter.

Differentiating fact from fiction is an essential part especially when taking in supplements. Before you go shop for creatine supplements, be aware of the risks and consult your doctor before anything else.