Health Glossary - For Everyone

Creatine
  print page print this page   Email email this page

 

 

 

 

What is creatine?

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.

Advertisement



^ top



Important creatine facts



^ top

Advertisement

 

Why creatine is important

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.

 

^ top

 

Last reviewed: 14 January 2007 || Last updated: 21 August 2007

 

Related Articles

^ top

references

 

More information

To learn more, go to the following web sites:


 

NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

 

^ top