Creatine has become one of the most popular athletic performance supplements on the market. Creatine, a naturally occurring amino acid, is formed in the liver and kidneys from the amino acids L-arginine, L-methionine, and glycine. Creatine is largely located in the skeletal muscle, where almost 95% of the body’s creatine stores can be found. Meat and fish are the best dietary sources of creatine, and when the substance is changed into phosphocreatine, it is stored in the muscles and then used for energy. Creatine is very popular among bodybuilders because of its benefits during intense exercise like weight lifting. During these periods, phosphocreatine is changed into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a compound our bodies use for fuel.

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Creatine Benefits:
*Enhances athletic performance
*Supports muscular development
*Fuels athletic activity
*Boosts energy & endurance

Creatine History
Creatine, first identified in 1832, didn’t become a popular supplement until the 1990’s. Following extensive research and testing, creatine was found to be safe as a natural – and legal – athletic performance enhancer. Creatine is effective at increasing lean muscle mass and muscle development, a big reason why creatine is such a widely used supplement for bodybuilding and other sports. Annual sales of creatine are reportedly between $100 and $200 million, and the supplement is used by professional athletes and sports enthusiasts. The benefits of creatine are extensive, and this product continues to grow in popularity.

Creatine & Professional Athletes
Creatine is used throughout professional sports. Surveys show that about half of all professional football players and nearly all professional baseball players use creatine to support muscular development and energy. Creatine is popular in bodybuilding circles for its ability to encourage lean muscle mass and exceptional growth. Troy Aikman, Sammy Sosa, and John Elway have publicly endorsed creatine supplements and believe it was an important factor in their athletic achievements.

Creatine & Young Athletes
Creatine use by younger athletes, though, remains a problematic occurrence. Young athletes tend to be less careful and adherent to recommended dosages, and using creatine beyond suggested amounts can be threatening to their health. Young athletes regularly exceed loading and maintenance dosages because of a desire to achieve results more quickly. It is important to always stay within recommended dosages to prevent any adverse side effects and health risks from occurring.

Creatine & Athletic Competition
Creatine is popular among a range of professional sports, including the NCAA and the International Olympic Committee, who all allow the use of creatine. Colleges and universities were prohibited by the NCAA from distributing or paying for creatine with school funds. However, creatine is not a banned substance and will not be banned without proper scientific evidence.