Creatine

Creatine is a substance that is found naturally in the body and is a naturally occurring amino acid. It is created in the body from dietary components that have been broken down by the digestive process. It exists to boost the body's energy supply and allow muscles to function, beating fatigue and increasing the output of muscles. It is found in the muscles and allows for periods of increased activity such a power sprinting. It is also thought to contribute to muscle mass formation and add to the overall strength of the muscle.

By taking extra creatine other than that consumed and created naturally, the creatine content in the muscles is significantly increased. The dosage can be adapted to fit the person's individual needs and can increase strength, stamina and speed.It is not effective unless the muscles are being physically used. It will not provide energy to those who are not actively participating in physical activity at the time of utilisation.

Sources of Creatine

Creatine can be found in a number of artificial supplements which are often powders, tablets or capsule and can be taken frequently.Powders are the most widely used method of ingesting more creatine as it is the cheapest method but many people have reported a bad taste and a slow absorption rate.Food products that contain the necessary components that create creatine include meat, dairy products and some fish. It is difficult to increase the level of creatine in the body by making dietary alterations alone.

Long Term Use

This is an area of much debate among experts. As it is found in the body anyway, it is believed by many to be safe for long term use. However, in order to process creatine it is turned into a substance called creatinine which is then processed and excreted by the kidneys. It is thought that by having a larger than normal amount of creatine in the system, extra workload is placed on the kidneys which might be putting them at risk.Further and more extensive studying of this risk is needed before any further or solid evidence of this particular long term risk is decided.

There is one risk however, that seems to be generally regarded as likely by most experts.Long term use of supplementary creatine is now known to reduce the body's potential to produce its own supply of the substance as supplementary creatine inhibits the synthesis of natural creatine creation in the body. As studies are still in their infancy the actual long term effects of this problem are not yet fully known.

Is Creatine Legal?

As this substance is a naturally occurring substance and can be found in animal flesh that is consumed, it would be virtually impossible to ban it. It is not seen an a drug and can be used as a supplementary to aid the athlete. Also there are no known long term damages at the moment and in actual fact it is now being researched for its benefits in treating muscular disorders and reduced mobility due to aging.

Creatine is a substance found in the body and is responsible for providing muscles with energy, particularly that needed for short sharp bursts of strength. It can be taken as a supplement and is used by many sporting performers.