Chances are you’ve already heard something about creatine. Perhaps you’ve seen it displayed on a vitamin shelf, advertised in a magazine or featured on a TV show like 20/20. But what exactly is creatine and where does it come from? Is it safe? And if it is some kind of natural steroid used by elite athletes like baseball hero Mark McGwire, then why are physicians prescribing it for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, ischemic heart disease, inflammation, muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease? Why is creatine used to reduce muscle wasting in aids & cancer , applied during orthopedic rehabilitation and recommended for post-surgery convalescence?
Truth is creatine is a naturally occurring substance that’s been part of our food chain for tens of thousands of years. It’s inside everyone (regardless of what you eat) hiding in every active cell waiting to explode. That’s right, every man, woman and child — even an unborn fetus. Creatine is a product of protein metabolism and is synthesized in the liver, pancreas and spleen from special protein building blocks called amino acids. In nature, it’s found only in animal protein, and once consumed as food or as a dietary supplement (creatine monohydrate) it moves from your intestines in blood towards your muscles, glands and vital organs.
Once inside the cell, creatine combines with phosphorous to form a high-energy compound called creatine phosphate (CP). Creatine phosphate functions as an energy reservoir for the production of ATP, the body’s principle energy currency. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) keeps your motor running, but it’s stored in small amounts and requires continuous replenishment.
During low-intensity activity, such as walking or grocery shopping, ATP levels are maintained primarily from fats and carbohydrates (aerobic metabolism). But if we need to pick up the pace and move quickly, like when running after a bus or away from danger (flight or fight response), well…that’s when you can really appreciate and feel the power of creatine (anaerobic metabolism). Of course the millions of athletes worldwide who have used creatine monohydrate as a supplement for over twelve years without any adverse effects, already know how it improves motivation and exercise performance. But they’re not the only ones who desire more strength and stamina…are they?
The neat thing about the supplement is that you can control the dosage and get more of it inside a weak or tired muscle cell. More creatine leads to a greater influx of water, and this "cell volumizing" effect creates an environment which optimizes tissue repair and growth. Creatine monohydrate is engineered pharmaceutically — it is not derived from animals and contains no animal by-products. The best single time to take creatine is after physical activity, and for best results combine creatine with a high-glycemic fruit (like papaya or mango) and mix in a blender with whey protein isolate, L-glutamine, an omega-3 rich blended oil and Kangen water.
If you’re a grandparent, creatine can help muster up what it takes to get more active and play with your grandchildren. And what about Mum and Dad? How are they able to manage the kids, work full-time, take care of the house, educate themselves and get to the gym? ENERGY. That’s how. That’s what good health and performance is all about.
So that’s why I use creatine and feed it to everyone in my family in the appropriate and logical dose (including my children). When used correctly, it’s as safe as vitamin C, and just like vitamin C, the amount and form you take is based on bodyweight (lean mass), age, gender, activity level and individual preference. And one more thing...don't believe anyone who says that creatine is harmful. They literally don't know what they're talking about.
