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Creatine is a protein found in all skeletal muscles, which supplies energy to the muscles when they require it - when muscles need to contract it provides them with power and energy.
Most of the creatine in the body is inside the skeletal muscles, with a very small amount found in the heart, brain and testes (in males).
Creatine can be either synthesised within the body from certain amino acids, or it can be supplied in the diet from protein foods.
- Creatine is naturally a part of skeletal muscles
- Half of the creatine in the body is synthesised from three amino acids - arginine, glycine and methionine
- The liver is the where most of the creatine is synthesised (some is also synthesised in the pancreas and kidneys)
- Creatine is one of the nutrients contained in protein powders
Creatine is important as it allows skeletal muscles to perform properly in activities such as walking, running and other forms of physical activity.
Creatine enables muscles to recover quickly from physical exertion, it increases muscles strength, size and activity and drives muscles to perform longer and better.
Due to its beneficial effects on skeletal muscles, creatine is popular with athletes, bodybuilders and people who exercise a lot - to help build muscles tissue and give extra endurance and performance in training.
references
- Osiecki, Henry, The Nutrient Bible 2002, BioConcepts Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry. The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. 6th edition, 2001, BioConcepts Publishing
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. 7th Edition, 2005. Brooks Cole Publishing
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