Should I Take Creatine?

This is a question asked by many who wish to enhance their diet in order to increase muscular performance. Ever since creatine was identified in 1832 it has been known to exist in skeletal muscle tissue. It functions at the sub-cellular level by increasing the ratio of ATP/ADP while limiting the loss of adenosine nucleotides. This allows for an increased amount of free ATP/ADP without cellular dysfunction, and the result is more energy for your muscles. This is just one of the benefits of creatine.

Beyond boosting your muscle performance, creatine is also being tested as a possible treatment for such neuromuscular disorders as congestive heart failures, arthritis, muscular dystrophy and Huntington’s disease. There are also other studies being done where creatine is being found to extend the lives of lab mice that have been given Alzheimer’s. The medical benefits of creatine are astounding and being tested everyday in labs around the world. Since creatine is naturally found in most meat, it is easily accessible in its pure forms. Vegetarians will be happy to know that creatine can also be found in supplement form at outlets that provide natural health food supplements.

Creatine has been in use since the 1920s, but it really took off during the 1990s as a performance-enhancing supplement. Many world-class athletes swear by its ability to give you that extra boost when you really need your body to cross that finish line in record time. Creatine is also known to enhance mental agility and memory retention in both double blind and placebo tests. This naturally found drug is a wonderfully additive to the sporting and academic world and can be an important compliment in a vegetarian’s diet. Like any drug however, you should consult with your physician before you take any to ensure that you enjoy it in a safe manner that is guaranteed to make your life better, not worse.