Creatine: Effects and side-effects

Of all the bodybuilding supplements you may heard about, creatine is perhaps the most hyped. So is it really effective in helping build lean muscle mass or all the tall claims surrounding this 'wonder-product' are a mere hype? Read on.

What is Creatine?

Although creatine monohydrate was first discovered in 1832, it was almost a hundred years later in 1923 that it became known about creatine being stored heavily in human muscle tissue. Therefore, creatine monohydrate is probably the best supplement available in the market if you are looking to enhance your muscles.

But what exactly is creatine? It is a naturally occurring substance in the kidneys, pancreas and liver, which is used to supply energy to the muscles. Flowing through the bloodstream, creatine monohydrate is converted into creatine phosphate upon reaching the muscles.

Creatine is a perfectly legitimate substance and cannot be barred from bodybuilding competitions either as it occurs naturally in many food products such as meat.

Role of creatine

A majority of professional and amateur bodybuilders around the world use creatine and for good reason. It not only supplies energy to the body and helps increase its capacity to lift weights but also helps the recovery process. Creatine does wonders owing to its ability of maximizing muscle protein synthesizing and minimizing protein breakdown. The muscle growth enhancing action makes muscle fiber bigger and stronger.

Creatine can be consumed by anyone who wants to build muscle faster and stronger. Plus, creatine also has the benefit of helping fasten fat loss and therefore helps you attain a perfect physique that you have always dreamt of. It is also useful for people who are into stressful and tiring activities.

Side effects of creatine

Creatine can be consumed in two ways. The first is called the loading method and works well for people who have never taken it before. In this method, take 25-30 grams of creatine each days during the first four days and follow it up with a dose of 10-15 grams each day for the rest of the period.

The other method is the gradual one where the loading part is skipped and the rest of the process is continued as explained above.

The best part of this bodybuilding supplement is that it does not have any side-effects! Atleast none have been discovered so far. However, refrain from overtaking it and stick to the dosage recommended by the expert.