Creatine Information for bodybuilding enthusiasts
Supplementation plays a significant role in most bodybuilding regimes. The sport of bodybuilding revolves around developing lean muscle mass while shedding excess body fat. It is important for enthusiasts to have adequate knowledge about the bodybuilding supplements they are likely to use in order to avail maximum benefits. Creatine is one of the most sought after supplements in the body building world used by thousands of enthusiasts the world over. It plays a crucial role in augmenting performance and increasing the intensity of training sessions. It is essential for enthusiasts to gain adequate creatine information before using the product.
General Creatine information:
Creatine is one of the most commonly used supplements since the 1990s ever since it was labeled as a legitimate ‘body builder’. The work creatine had been derived from the Greek word, Kreas, meaning flesh in English. It was discovered in 1832 by Michael Eugene Chevreul as a component of the skeletal muscle in the human body. It is synthesized by the body from amino acids L-arginine, glycine and L-methionine that are found in protein. Supplementation is not necessary as far as the body is capable of meeting its protein requirements. However, vegetarians might face a problem in the synthesis of the compound as meat is one of the richest sources of creatine and is not consumed by vegans.
Mechanism of creatine in the body:
Creatine is converted into phosphocreatine in the human body which is stored in the form of energy in the muscles. It is essential for providing the short bursts of energy during rigorous exercise sessions. It helps enthusiasts boost their performance and increases the intensity of the workouts. It is also beneficial for providing the short bursts of energy required during weight training for increasing muscle and bone mass. Creatine plays a crucial role in supplying the body with periodic bursts of energy required by the body for performing various exercises during bodybuilding and weight training but does not show any benefits during endurance exercises and activities such as marathons, running, swimming, sprinting etc.
Creatine is produced by the liver, pancreas and kidneys and is stored in the inter-muscular cells of the body leading to their expansion. Consuming the supplementary version of the product enhances the total creatine content in the skeletal muscles and boosts the overall performance of enthusiasts.
Dietary Sources of Creatine:
These include cod, pork, beef, herring, tuna and salmon.
Dosage:
The recommended dosage of the supplement is 2 to 5g per day. Its absorption in the muscle tissue is heightened when taken with a simple carbohydrate. It is suggested that caffeine intake is avoided while using the product because of its tendency to block the effects of creatine.
Creatine Side Effects:
Creatine information is incomplete without adequate knowledge about its side effects. Creatine is metabolized in the kidneys and prolonged use can lead to kidney damage. Studies also suggest that it changes into formaldehyde after metabolism, a powerful toxin.
Overdose:
An overdose of the product may result in anxiety related disorders, stress, seizures, nausea, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and even death.
Creatine Supplements:
Creatine supplements are available in the form of chews, powders and capsules. The powdered form is most popular because the body tends to absorb it more efficiently into the blood stream and a lesser amount of the product is required.
Creatine is not banned by major sport governing bodies but is forbidden in some countries. In the United States NCCAA has prohibited the use of the supplement in colleges.