the benefits of creatine--what do you know, and how do you know it?

United States
July 10, 2007 6:09am CST
I've been working out with weights since I was 14--probably wasn't the smartest thing to do at such a young age--but I've only recently (within the last two years) been using creatine. Now, I know something about creatine--for example, I know that it is considered to be one of the most-studied substances athletes use today (it's been in use since the 1950's)--however, my concern is with YOUR understanding of it. I'm going to assess your understanding by asking that you respond, as you can, to the following questions: 1) What do you think is this business with becoming dehydrated while on creatine, or something about creatine being responsible for lots of 'water retention' in your muscles? Have you heard anything about this, and what (if any) is your belief regarding the idea that creatine either a) increases water retention in your muscles to an unhealthy degree or b) creatine causes dehydration (again to an unhealthy extent) 2) What sort of line can be drawn when it comes to ethics in sports regarding supplements like creatine? Can it be justifiably said that creatine absolutely should NOT be used in any competitive sport? Or is the foundation of this kind of remark a lot shakier than we seem to think; that is, do you think it could also be argued that creatine could be used in a way similar to countless other substances--caffeine for instance--that DO effect (or may effect) athletic performance albeit in a varied and more or less arbitrary way?
1 response
flashjet
@flashjet (54)
• Pakistan
31 Jul 07
Creatine is an organic acid. It is the normal body constituent largely found in the muscle. It is syntyhesized in the liver by amino acids such as arginine, glycine and methionine. Arginine and methionine are essential amino acids meaning these can not be synthesized by the body on its own. It is therefore important to have adequate consumption of proteins in diet. The demand for arginine is directly proportional to a positive nitrogen balance, meaning increased amounts are required when building muscles. As already mentioned these amino acids get converted into creatine in the muscle. Creatine in its active form creatine phosphate provides high energy phosphate bonds to the adenosine diphosphate (ADP) molecules thereby converting these into adenosine triphosphate (ATP. ATP is the primary source of energy for the cell. It therefore maintains all energy requiring processes including life itself. Creatine has nothing to do with excess fluid being retained in your muscle. This is because it is the normal component of the muscle. Besides by now you must have figured out that there are more than one ways to improve your creatine stores, so you need not depend on creatine. I am not the appropriate person to answer your second question.