What is Creatine and how does it work?
(getting to know the four chemicals of POWER)
Creatine (scientifically known as Creatine Monohydrate) is a naturally
occurring substance that exists in every muscle of your body. Whenever you use
your muscles, a chemical (adenosine tri-phosphate - ATP) is broken down
into two simpler chemicals (adenosine di-phosphate - ADP and inorganic
phosphate). This process of ATP turning into ADP releases the energy which gives
your muscles power. The problem is that your muscles only contain enough
adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) to last about 10-15 seconds at maximum
exertion. The ADP can not be used to create more energy for your muscles.
However, with the help of Creatine and phosphates - the ADP can be converted
back into the very useful ATP. Creatine Monohydrate combines with abundant
phosphorus stores in the muscles and is converted into Creatine Phosphate. The
Creatine-Phosphate is then able to restore the adenosine di-phosphate
(ADP) into adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP), by giving up a phosphate
molecule. Now instead of just ADP, your body has more ATP. More ATP in your body
means more fuel for your muscles. This allows you to keep pumping.
Unfortunately your muscle's Creatine supply is not limitless. The average
human muscle contains between 3.5 and 4 grams of Creatine per kilogram of
muscle. Once the Creatine is used up, so are you. You then have to rest your
muscles and wait a while before your next set of repetitions. The good news is
that your body can store up to 5 grams of Creatine per kilogram. In other
words, if you are not taking creatine supplements to get the full 5 grams of
creatine in your muscles - up to 30% of your body's Creatine capacity is not
being used. It is no coincidence that studies have found bodybuilders to display
an increase of up to 30% in their repetitions after only one week of using
Creatine supplements.
Is it safe?
According to every known study, the answer is that Creatine is safe. It is
not a steroid. It is a natural substance which already exists in your body. But
what does this mean to you? It is important to remember that just because a
substance is naturally occurring does not mean that it can not be dangerous.
Creatine should always be taken within the recommended dosages. Exceeding
the recommended dosages could indeed lead to problems ranging from muscle cramps
to dehydration. In addition, there are no proven benefits to exceeding the
recommended dosages, so the solution is simple – just don't do it!
The reason that so many people are taking Creatine is that it has been shown
to be safe and effective. In fact, the only recorded problems accredited to
Creatine were caused by customers buying their Creatine from less than reputable
manufacturers. Creatine must be 99% pure and free of harmful fillers. All the
Creatine products we sell are 99% pure or better.
Is Creatine dangerous to vegetarians?
Not only is creatine safe for vegetarians, it is likely to be particularly
useful. The reason for this is that creatine is found naturally in the lean red
muscle tissue of animals. Vegetarians who have cut red meat out of their diet
will find that the creatine supplements can help restore the minimum acceptable
levels of Creatine in their muscles.
How does
Creatine fit into my existing exercise and nutritional schedule?
Taking Creatine does not change any of the standard requirements for healthy
living. Creatine will only work effectively if taken with a balanced,
nutritional diet. Muscle mass is increased because you are able to work out
longer and harder, but you should expect the changes to be gradual and steady.
You should not need to shift your life around to accommodate the addition of
Creatine.
Is one form of Creatine superior to
another?
There are several forms of Creatine available on the market. The most popular
forms are powder, concentrate and liquid. We sell all three varieties, but we
strongly recommend the liquid form. That being said, we want to issue a word of
caution. Liquid Creatine is the most difficult form to manufacture. Many brands
of the liquid Creatine on the market today are long on promises and short on
delivery. The reason is that Creatine is highly unstable in liquid form.
Is Creatine a gift
from the Gods?
We do not pretend to profess any religious ideology, however, we do believe
that people should avoid treating Creatine with a form of religious fervor.
Remember, Creatine is a supplement. Like all supplements, it should be taken
with moderation and responsibility.
