To Creatine or Not to Creatine?
Good question, but eh… what is creatine?
Creatine is a molecule made of three amino acids that is produced naturally by our bodies in the kidneys, liver and pancreas and stored in our muscles and brain. The food sources of creatine include red meat, cow’s milk and fish. Creatine is the quick energy reserve your body needs for any fast, high-energy activity, particularly when engaging in short, high-intensity activities such as running or weightlifting. Creatine provides the energy source required as your muscles contract. Most people produce enough creatine to meet their daily energy needs.
So why the buzz around creatine supplements?
Creatine is gaining in popularity among the exercising set due to its alleged potential in enhancing performance, building muscle, and aiding muscle recovery after exercise.
The idea is that supplementing creatine leads to increased stores, which in turn improves muscle performance and development. There is also ongoing research to understand how creatine affects the brain and how it could be beneficial to cognitive function and help with muscle loss in older adults.
Before you supplement creatine, we have three things to note:
1. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements. It is crucial to determine if it is suitable for you.
2. Conduct research to gain a deeper understanding of what you are taking, including its potential benefits and associated risks. We found some excellent articles to start you off on your quest:
-Journal of Sports and Medicine: Creatine Supplementation and Exercise Performance: A Brief Review
-Holland & Barrett: What are the possible side effects of creatine?
-Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition: Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?
This article is not medical advice. The information contained in this article has been designed for educational and informational purposes only. It is provided solely to enable you to make your own choices. No material in this article is a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek your doctor’s advice or a qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding your health and wellness.
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