What You Should Know About Creatine
What should you know about Creatine? Creatine is one of the most popular supplements on the market. It was discovered in 1832, but was not recognized as a sports performance aid until the early 90’s (1). Since then, it has been one of the most studied supplements in the world.
Why use it?
- Increased lean body mass (1,3)
- Increased muscle fiber cross-sectional area (muscle density) (1,3)
- Improved performance in strength, power, speed, and endurance (1,3)
- Fat loss (1,3)
- Improved hydration (1,3)
- Improved exercise response in hot weather (1,3)
- Better cognitive capacity (1,3)
Since creatine’s use in sport and medicine, it has become one of the most researched supplements on the market. It has been studied in many different forms and with different age demographics. Many of the studies conducted include kids aging from 1-18 years of age and have shown no side effects from creatine supplementation (5). It is used commonly in the medical field for young children who have muscular disorders, cancers, and kidney issues. So why not use it if you’re healthy?
What to use?
Creatine hydrochloride is the preferred form of creatine to take because it has a better absorption rate than creatine monohydrate (2). However, studies have shown that creatine monohydrate remains readily bioavailable for longer periods of time. Monohydrate also tends to be less expensive (3). In multiple studies, both forms of creatine have shown positive results in muscle mass, body composition, and performance.
How Much?
If looking for results in the quickest method possible, a “bulking” phase is recommended. When in a bulking phase, take 10-20g a day for 7-14 days. After this initial phase switch to what is called a maintaining load of around 5-10g a day (3). Larger athletes should be on the higher range for daily consumption (1). If bulking isn’t necessary, take 5-7g of creatine a day as recommended (3).
How Often?
Most supplement companies will say that athletes should supplement every day. This typically is to have the user consume more product in an attempt to increase sales. Creatine only needs to be consumed before or after training, practice, or competition (1).
How Long?
It is ideal to use the supplement during training and competition periods. Once an athlete has completed the competitive season, and is taking time off from training, creatine supplementation should stop until training begins again. It is NOT harmful to the athlete to consume 5-7g a day while in season or training regularly, and if a long break occurs it has said to be wasteful to consume creatine (1,3).
Creatine and Kidney Function
According to Poortmans and Francaux who conducted a study published in the Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise:
“Neither short-term, medium-term, nor long-term oral creatine supplements induce detrimental effects on the kidney of healthy individuals.”
And it’s not just this study. Every major peer reviewed study has no conclusive evidence that oral consumption of creatine effects the kidneys in any way (3). In fact, there have been studies that have found evidence of improved renal kidney function when supplementing creatine (3).
It is important to note the final two words of the quote above, “healthy individuals.” You may hear the term creatinine used when talking about kidney function. Creatinine is a waste product of normal muscle function and is filtered through the kidneys (4). When testing kidney function creatinine levels are measured in the blood and urine. Elevated creatinine levels can be an indication of lower than normal kidney function. If you have a pre-existing kidney condition consult your doctor before taking creatine.
What Does This Mean?
This means if you are an athlete and you aren’t taking creatine, you should be. It is one of the most heavily researched supplements that has proven benefits, is safe, and legal. If you are a long distance runner it may not be necessary to take creatine, but almost all other athletes can benefit from the supplementation of creatine during training and competition.
Purchase Our Preferred Creatine Here.
We hope this helps! contact us with any supplement questions! 720.509.9567
We Are Elite – The Best Speed And Sports Performance Training In Denver, Colorado
We are proud partners of