Creatine: Uses and Side effects

Uses of Creatine

Creatine is a naturally-occurring substance that's found in meat and fish, and also made by the human body in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. It is converted into creatine phosphate or phosphocreatine and stored in the muscles, where it is used for energy. During high-intensity, short-duration exercise, such as lifting weights or sprinting, phosphocreatine is used as a source of ATP, a major carrier of energy within the human body.

Creatine supplements may enhance athletic performance, improve strength and lean muscle mass, and may also help lower triglyceride (fat in the blood) levels in men and women with high triglyceride concentrations. Creatine also helps to lower homocysteine levels and prevent heart attacks and strokes. Creatine may have anti-cancer properties. In addition, creatine has been shown to have varying degrees of improvement in diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease).

Side effects of Creatine

Side effects of creatine include:Weight gain, Muscle cramps, Muscle strains and pulls, Stomach upset, Diarrhea, Dizziness, High blood pressure, Liver dysfunction and Kidney damage.