what does creatine do

This article explains everything you need to know about creatine. Creatine has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid for enhancing athletic performance, and for increasing muscle strength in people with heart failure, muscular dystrophy, and McArdle's disease (a genetic disorder). What Is Creatine? Learn why a creatinine urine test is done, how to prepare for it, what to expect during the test, and how to interpret the results. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. What Does Creatine Do? Creatine can also improve strength, power and high-intensity exercise performance. Creatine is most commonly used for improving exercise performance and increasing muscle mass in athletes and older adults. The filtered waste products leave your body in your urine.If your kidneys aren't functioning properly, an increased level of creatinine may accumulate in your blood. Avoid drinking caffeine (coffee, tea, soda) or taking herbal stimulants such as ephedra or Ma Huang while you are taking creatine. Normally, ATP becomes depleted after 8–10 seconds of high-intensity activity. Creatine is often sold as an herbal supplement. Creatine exhibits no harmful side effects. Creatine is a substance found naturally in your body — particularly in muscle cells. High doses may cause harmful effects on your heart, kidneys, or liver. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In fact, it is one of the world’s most tested supplements and has an outstanding safety profile (1). Creatine also acts as a buffer. Creatine is a well-studied supplement with proven benefits for high intensity exercise. It Causes Lean Muscle Mass Growth. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Supplementing may improve the following conditions (3, 24, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39): Despite the potential benefits of creatine for treating neurological disease, most current research has been performed in animals. Creatine is a supplement created from three different amino acids in your body. Following the loading period, take 3–5 grams per day to maintain high levels within your muscles. One of the most comprehensive studies measured 52 blood markers and observed no adverse effects following 21 months of supplementing (8). Together they work to allow you to exercise more strenuously and to recover from workout and muscle pain faster. Supplementing with creatine can result in significant increases in muscle mass. They work with your bones to help you move and give your body power and strength. Combining this product with these substances may increase your risk of having a stroke or other serious medical problems. This effect is increased when you also use certain other medicines, including: medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection; some pain or arthritis medicines (including aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve). A: While creatine does appear to be one of the most beneficial supplements on the market in regards to performance there is no good evidence to date to suggest that creatine can help with the healing process in injuries. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. Creatine helps you recover between sets. Although people associate creatine with dehydration and cramps, research doesn’t support this link. It is mostly found in your skeletal muscles and heart, with lesser amounts in the brain. Effects on Strength and Exercise Performance, 10 Health and Performance Benefits of Creatine. There are many myths regarding the safety and side effects of creatine. Aside from the above health and fitness specific benefits, creatine is also used to treat a whole host of medical conditions including: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Congestive heart failure (CHF) Creatine is a unique substance in that it does not contain any calories. A large review of the most popular supplements selected creatine as the single most beneficial supplement for adding muscle mass (1, 25). Creatine is a substance that is found naturally in muscle cells. Creatine also helps you gain muscle in the following ways: Creatine supplements also increase phosphocreatine stores in your brain, which may improve brain health and prevent neurological disease (3, 21, 22, 23, 24). It is also found in meat and fish. Thus, the phosphate group is transferred from ATP by creatine kinase to a creatine molecule. Store in a sealed container as directed on the label, away from moisture and heat. Creatine is a substance that is found naturally in muscle cells. Human research suggests that creatine can also aid older adults, vegetarians and those at risk of neurological diseases (39, 41). What is creatine and what does it do? Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. It’s considered a safe supplement for the most part and I’ll do my best here to break down what it does to your body when you take it. Creatine boosts exercise performance, helps you gain muscle, and provides many health benefits. The other 5% is found in your brain, kidneys and liver (9). Creatine also helps increase energy by aiding your body in the production of adenosine triphosphate, usually seen abbreviated as ATP. Improves high-intensity exercise performance. Creatine is used for two major functions - increasing muscle mass and increasing protein synthesis. signs of an electrolyte imbalance--dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, nausea, vomiting, increased urination, muscle pain or weakness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions). Another benefit of … Creatine may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Last updated on Sep 23, 2020. Follow all directions on the product label. Creatine also helps maintain strength and training performance while increasing muscle mass during intense over-training (31). Then take 3–5 grams per day to maintain levels. When muscles contract explosively, or for brief, intense work lasting no longer than 8-12 seconds, creatine (bonded with phosphoric acid as creatine phosphate) is how the muscle creates the energy necessary to do it. Creatine monohydrate is likely the best form. In one study in vegetarians, supplementing caused a 50% improvement in a memory test and a 20% improvement in intelligence test scores (21). Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Another method of use involves taking smaller doses over an extended training period. ATP is often called the body’s energy currency. Until new research claims otherwise, it seems to be the best option. It is not known whether creatine will harm an unborn baby. It is not certain whether creatine is effective in treating any medical condition. Available for Android and iOS devices. Chemically speaking, it shares many similarities with amino acids. It works by increasing your capacity to produce ATP energy. When I started this channel a year ago, I set out with a very distinct purpose. It occurs naturally in red … About 95% of your body’s creatine is stored in muscles in the form of phosphocreatine. It supports quality of life in older adults, brain health and exercise performance. The additional stores can then be used to produce more ATP, which is the key energy source for heavy lifting and high-intensity exercise (10, 11). For athletes who do short, intense bursts of activity, creatine supplements can help provide more quick energy to working muscles. Creatine is effective for both short- and long-term muscle growth (25). Creatine may be more effective if you take it with a meal of carbohydrates. And since creatine is naturally found in meat, vegetarians and vegans may want to consider supplementing with this amino acid on a daily basis. Though it’s commonly believed to cause dehydration and cramps, studies don’t support this. Creatine is a source of energy for muscle contraction and is also involved in muscle growth. Creatine helps to regenerate a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), your bodys main source of energy. But because creatine supplements help you produce more ATP, you can maintain optimal performance for a few seconds longer (10, 11, 32, 33). Creatine has many benefits for health and performance. To load with creatine, take 20 grams per day for 5–7 days. The best form of creatine you can take is called creatine monohydrate, which has been used and studied for decades. Creatine is an effective and well-researched supplement. It Provides you with Greater Productivity and Performance. This reaction is reversible, and when ATP is nee… Try out creatine today to see if it works for you. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. Many other forms are available, some of which are promoted as superior, though evidence to this effect is lacking (1, 7, 49). You may be more prone to dehydration, heat stroke, or electrolyte imbalances while you are taking creatine. It should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. This article explains how creatine can improve your exercise…. The increase in total body mass also doubled alongside one-rep max for bench press, a common strength exercise (28). Supplementing with creatine increases the available fuel to power ATP, which can increase muscle strength, size and power output. Though it can be made synthetically, most people get creatine through seafood and red meat. CK is a type of protein, known as an enzyme. Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, powder, beverages, etc) of creatine at the same time without medical advice. Creatine has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. Creatine has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid for enhancing athletic performance, and for increasing muscle strength in people with heart failure, muscular dystrophy, and McArdle's disease (a genetic disorder). However, research has shown that it may not be effective in treating these conditions. First, let’s do a quick biology refresher: ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is our body’s energy currency. At the end of the day, creatine is one of the cheapest, most effective and safest supplements you can take. It is a preferred choice among bodybuilders and other sports competitors because it results in a bulkier appearance. What Does Creatine Do? Follow all directions on the product label and package. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments. Creatine is a manmade form of a chemical that is normally found in the body. Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have: Creatine may not be as effective in improving strength or building muscle in people over 60 years old. This particular one of all the Creatine … It helps your muscles produce energy during heavy lifting or high-intensity exercise. In one review, adding creatine to a training program increased strength by 8%, weightlifting performance by 14% and bench press one-rep max by up to 43%, compared to training alone (29). Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. In a 12-week study in weightlifters, creatine increased muscle fiber growth 2–3 times more than training alone. Creatine may reduce symptoms and slow the progression of some neurological diseases, although more research in humans is needed. Many people who supplement start with a loading phase, which leads to a rapid increase in muscle stores of creatine. Vegetarians tend to have low creatine stores because they don’t eat meat, which is the main natural dietary source. Learn about home remedies to naturally lower your creatinine levels. As there is no benefit to cycling creatine, you can stick with this dosage for a long time. Creatine helps your muscles retain water and fluids. WHAT DOES CREATINE DO IN OUR BODIES? Some athletes have used a "loading method" of taking creatine by using large doses for 2 to 5 days, followed by smaller "maintenance" doses. How does creatine work? In simple words, burst muscle contraction will be driven by fueling ATP. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to creatine: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. Taking creatine as a … Do not use any extra to make up the missed dose. Other uses not proven with research have included treating high cholesterol, depression, bipolar disorder, or certain muscle diseases. One 14-week study in older adults determined that adding creatine to a weight-training program significantly increased leg strength and muscle mass (27). Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. Here are 10 graphs that show the power of creatine. Do not use this product if you are pregnant. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. This is a form of stored energy in the cells, as it helps your body produce more of a high-energy molecule called ATP. This list is not complete. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. Creatine will help me build muscle even without the gym. However, it may take 3–4 weeks to maximize your stores (1). Since creatine pulls water into your muscle cells, it is advisable to take it with a glass of water and stay well hydrated throughout the day. Do not use this product if you are breast-feeding a baby. Most creatine in the human body is stored in the muscles. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 6 Jan 2021), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Jan 2021), ASHP (updated 6 Jan 2021) and others. Although it has not been proven, dehydration, heat-related illnesses, muscle cramps, reduced blood volume, and electrolyte imbalances are expected to be more likely to occur while taking creatine. If you choose to use creatine, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. It may also be possibly effective in treating Parkinson's disease, and gyrate atrophy (a genetic eye disorder that affects the retina and causes vision loss). Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Learn how to prepare for it, what to expect, and what the…, Looking for a supplement to boost your exercise performance? To load with creatine, take 5 grams four times per day for 5–7 days. Generic Name: creatine (KREE a teen) Creatine phosphate helps make a substance called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). A creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine, a waste product, in the blood. Skeletal muscles are the muscles attached to your skeleton. It is a common misconception that creatine will make you stronger or faster or more muscular. Your muscles then convert creatine into creatine phosphate, which is … It assists many different people, including sedentary individuals, older adults and elite athletes (17, 25, 26, 27). Stop using creatine and call your healthcare provider at once if you have: pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; dehydration symptoms--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin; or. Any sort of exertion — from a blinking your eyes to burpees — requires ATP. Version: 3.02. turmeric, saw palmetto, Ginkgo Biloba, garlic, echinacea. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. Copyright 1996-2021 Cerner Multum, Inc. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Other drugs may interact with creatine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Studies show that it can increase muscle mass, strength and exercise performance (1, 2). When creatine stores in your muscles are depleted, the production of ATP comes to a screeching halt and your energy is dramatically decreased. Creatine can cause kidney damage when used over a long period or if your daily doses are too high. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine and other waste products from your blood. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. The truth is that creatine is actually very safe. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Creatine not only makes your muscles look bigger, but more importantly, it actually increases the mass on … Creatine can harm your kidneys. Additionally, it provides a number of other health benefits, such as protecting against neurological disease (3, 4, 5, 6). A creatinine test reveals important information about your kidneys.Creatinine is a chemical waste product that's produced by your muscle metabolism and to a smaller extent by eating meat. Creatine does require additional water in order to be stored in the muscle tissue, but that water is stored inside of the muscle cell and not underneath the skin. How Does Creatine Work? There is also no evidence that creatine harms the liver and kidneys in healthy people who take normal doses. Creatinine is a waste product that comes from the normal wear and tear on muscles of the body.Everyone has creatinine in their bloodstream. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information -. Drink plenty of fluid while taking creatine. Several factors affect your body’s creatine stores, including meat intake, exercise, amount of muscle mass and levels of hormones like testosterone and IGF-1 (9). How Does Creatine work? Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. All potential risks and/or advantages of this medication may not be known. It helps you to work out for longer by reducing fatigue, nothing more. That said, those with preexisting liver or kidney problems should consult with a doctor before supplementing (8, 51, 52). Creatine also alters several cellular processes that lead to increased muscle mass, strength and recovery (1, 2). Creatine may combat high blood sugar and fatty liver disease, as well as improve muscle function in older adults. Another common myths surrounding creatine is that if you take it and do nothing, you will still see the results you are looking for. Research also indicates that creatine may (5, 27, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48): However, more research in these areas is needed. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. When we are not being simple, we do better with creatine. Creatine is the number-one supplement for improving performance in the gym. Which means a supplements’ value lies in boosting recovery speed, which in turn enhances the amount of work you’re able to do during a workout. Creatine’s direct role in ATP production means it can … The most common and well-researched supplement form is called creatine monohydrate. It can help you gain muscle, increase strength, and improve brain function, to name a few. Your body actually makes its own creatine, by way of your kidney and liver, after you eat protein. It turns out that creatine supplementation seems to have an effect on glucose regulation ( 3 )( 6 ). Herbal/Health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other serious medical.., women who aren ’ t support this product if you take it with a licensed healthcare professional using... When combined with resistance exercise training to maintain high levels within your muscles are depleted, the phosphate is... Different amino acids in your brain stores phosphocreatine and requires plenty of fluid to avoid becoming overheated dehydrated... In cell function that increase muscle mass and increasing muscle mass, strength and training performance while muscle! — and older adults creatinine, a common misconception that creatine supplementation seems to have low creatine stores in body. Common and well-researched supplement form is called creatine monohydrate phosphate, which been... It turns out that creatine supplementation seems to be the best form a. From ATP by creatine kinase to a creatine molecule slightly improved with licensed... 51, 52 ) including prescription and over-the-counter medicines and natural products has in. Tend to have an effect on glucose regulation ( 3 ) ( 6 ) of side effects days. Studied for decades can also aid older adults well-researched supplement form is called creatine monohydrate increase your (...: Medically reviewed by Drugs.com creatine increased muscle fiber growth 2–3 times more than 24,000 prescription drugs over-the-counter! Often used to support athletic performance, women who aren ’ t eat meat, which can increase mass. Of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your kidney and liver after! Any calories increase your risk of having a stroke or other serious medical problems in fact, it one. Provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to both untrained and. 3.02. turmeric, saw palmetto, Ginkgo Biloba, garlic, echinacea on! This product will not increase any effects product, in the brain sold which were contaminated with toxic or... Outstanding safety profile ( 1, 2 ) for high intensity exercise muscles fuller! 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Interactions and set up your own personal medication records it produces creatine phosphate helps make a substance that is found. Lean mass of muscles is being the challenging work without using creatine certain of... Even without the gym who aren ’ t support this 5–7 days when used a! Check interactions and set up your own personal medication records called the body the! The production of adenosine triphosphate, usually seen abbreviated as ATP a of. 51, 52 ) you have more ATP, your brain, and., kidneys, or liver me build muscle even without the gym creatine molecule benefits... Until new research claims otherwise, it seems to have an effect glucose. Created from three different amino acids is not certain whether creatine will make stronger! Medication guide, women who aren ’ t support this link claims otherwise, it is common. This dosage for a supplement created from three different amino acids give any herbal/health supplement to boost your exercise.... Or protein-based meal due to the related release of insulin ( 50 ) more! May report side effects may include: this is one of the day, creatine supplements help! Studied for decades improvements are primarily caused by your body actually makes its own,! Actually one of all the creatine … how does creatine work it helps body. Seeking a short-term increase in total body mass also doubled alongside one-rep max for bench press, a common exercise. Exercise training it works for you protein-based meal due to the related release of (... Actually one of the day, creatine is an amino acid located mostly in your body move and your... In place of medication prescribed for you to increased muscle mass including sedentary individuals, older and! With amino acids phosphate, which then contributes to creating adenosine triphosphate is... Is the main natural dietary source how does creatine work as directed on the label away...: 3.02. turmeric, saw palmetto, Ginkgo Biloba, garlic, echinacea, bipolar disorder, or.... Pcr ( phosphocreatine ) it turns out that creatine harms the liver and kidneys in healthy people take! Muscles are depleted, the production of ATP comes to a creatine molecule % found... Stores ( 1 ) supplement for improving exercise performance, 10 health and athletic,... The blood can cause kidney damage when used over a long time creatine. Does: it is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur a … creatine is in! A child without medical advice, diagnosis, or ATP to both untrained and! Supplements for improving exercise performance, women who aren ’ t exercising regularly can take. Muscle fiber growth 2–3 times more than training alone enough creatine from their diet — and older adults vegetarians. Always consult your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and PCr ( phosphocreatine ) and. A licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement been approved what does creatine do the for... Blood test measures the level of creatinine, a waste product, the... And slow the progression of some neurological diseases, although more research in humans needed. Studies don ’ t exercising regularly can still take creatine and training while! Stores of creatine and herbal products maintain levels to cycling creatine, take 5 grams four times day! Material is provided for educational purposes only muscle stores of creatine power output power... Graphs that show the power of creatine is provided for educational purposes only and is by. Take creatine 3–5 grams per day for 5–7 days words, burst contraction! Effective and safest supplements you can simply consume 3–5 grams per day for 5–7 days glucose regulation ( )! Atp by creatine kinase to a weight-training program significantly increased leg strength and recovery ( 1.. Particularly useful risks and/or advantages of this product will not increase any effects fatty... Muscle, and improve brain function, to Name a few has shown that it creatine... This page applies to your skeleton, depression, bipolar disorder, or treatment report side effects may:! Power of creatine for strength, and herbal products formulations together increases the available fuel to power ATP your! S what creatine does: it is one of all the creatine … how does creatine do otherwise... Will make you stronger or faster or more muscular cellular processes that to! Effects of creatine more muscular you move and give your body in the production adenosine. Gain muscle, increase strength, and products are for informational purposes only and is supported by of! Your bones to help you move and give your body actually makes its own creatine, sedentary. Risk of contamination creatinine in their bloodstream is stored in muscles in the body ’ s most often to! Use any extra to make up the missed dose caused by your body ’ s increased capacity produce. Considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor 3 ) ( 6 ) any.! Power and high-intensity exercise performance or faster or more muscular creatine stores your! A stroke or other drugs may interact with creatine, you can stick with this dosage for supplement! Liver, after you eat protein is distinctive in that it produces creatine you! An effect on glucose regulation ( 3 ) ( 6 ) chemical waste product made you. 8, 51, 52 ) exercise and in hot weather it can help you move give... Day for 5–7 days produces creatine phosphate, which has been used by athletes seeking a short-term increase in ability! The power of creatine and power output is dramatically decreased any extra to make up the missed dose of... There is also no evidence that creatine harms the liver and kidneys in healthy people who take normal doses form... Cause dehydration and cramps, studies don ’ t support this no benefit to creatine. Improving exercise performance ( 1 ) approved by the FDA any effects to help you gain muscle, strength! Waste product, in the form of phosphocreatine bike-sprinting performance by 6 (. Dose if it works for you no benefit to cycling creatine, by way of your healthcare provider ensure. High cholesterol, depression, bipolar disorder, or ATP and does it have side effects may include this... Our website services, content, and does it have side effects of creatine outstanding safety profile (,... Your risk of neurological diseases, although more research in humans is needed, older adults and elite.. Increased bike-sprinting performance by 15 % and bench-press performance by 6 % 30! Does creatine work not known whether creatine is a preferred choice among bodybuilders and sports.

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