creatine

What Is Creatine?

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in the human body and in animal sources, such as red meat. It is a nitrogenous organic acid that supplies energy to muscle cells for short bursts of intense activity.

Creatine is not an essential nutrient, meaning the body can produce it on its own. However, creatine supplements are available as a dietary supplement.

How Does Creatine Work?

Creatine works by increasing the availability of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in the muscle cell. ATP is the main source of energy for all cells in the body, including muscle cells. The more ATP available to the muscle cell, the more energy it has to contract and produce force.

What Are Some Benefits of Creatine?

Some benefits of creatine are:
Increases muscle mass
Improves athletic performance
Improves strength and power
Improves recovery time between workouts

What Are the Side Effects of Creatine?

Some side effects of creatine include:
Nausea
Muscle cramps
Increased blood pressure
Gastrointestinal distress