Article by James Collier BSc (Hons) RNutr from www.MuscleTalk.co.uk
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What is creatine?
Creatine Monohydrate is one of the most popular sports supplements on the market and is used by bodybuilders, athletes, sportsmen and women alike. Creatine is a compound made naturally in our bodies as an energy replenisher. It is manufactured in the liver, kidneys and pancreas and secreted into blood for transport to muscle (amongst other) tissues.
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Does creatine work?
Creatine, when consumed in correct doses, will help the individual receive the desired effects. Creatine is probably the most scientifically researched sports supplement ever, providing strong evidence that it helps improve performance.
What does creatine do?
Creatine has a number of major functions as a sports supplement. All of these functions revolve around its function as an energy replenisher through it forming the creatine phosphate (CP or phosphocreatine) molecule.
- Creatine replenishes ATP
ATP is the molecule which when broken down releases energy for the muscle to contract. When used up, ATP needs to be replenished by re-acquiring phosphates. CP acts as a phosphate transporter. CP gives up its phosphate to ATP freeing creatine to form the bi-product creatinine for excretion.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that the more creatine that is present in muscle cells, up to a maximum storage level, the more efficiently ATP can be replenished, and, hence more ATP is available for energy. The richest food sources of creatine are meat and fish, but it has been found that muscles can store far more CP than is possible to obtain from food, so by supplementing with creatine monohydrate you can maximise stores. Thus creatine allows you to have more energy to help lift heavier weights, train harder and at higher intensity.
- Creatine stimulates protein synthesis
It has been demonstrated that creatine may also promote muscle growth by stimulating protein synthesis in two ways. Firstly, is from the increased work you are able to do as a result of its energy replenishing actions. Secondly is that the more CP that is stored in muscle, the more water is drawn into muscle making it fuller and stronger. With more CP and water in muscle, the volume increases, and the muscle cell is 'volumised' or 'super-hydrated'. A volumised muscle helps to trigger protein synthesis, minimise protein breakdown and increase glycogen synthesis. If a muscle is then trained properly, this could lead to enhanced muscle growth. The muscle 'pump' experienced when using creatine is reported to be much more intense, and this is as a result of the cell volumising effect.
- Creatine may buffer lactic acid
Creatine may also act as a lactic acid buffer and improve exercise recovery time. Lactic acid is a bi-product from anaerobic (without oxygen) exercise, such as weight training. Lactic acid is responsible for the 'burning' sensation when the muscle becomes fatigued. When you cannot train anymore, it is due to you either having run out of energy or a build up of lactic acid. Creatine may act as a buffer for this lactic acid, which helps to delay the onset of fatigue.
- Creatine increases body weight
Most users experience notable weight increases when they commence a course of creatine, up to six or seven pounds (about three kilograms), especially the first time they use it. Most of this weight gain is from the cell volumising effect which is not permanent. Some weight gain is from an increase in muscle tissue, and not just water, due to the positive effects of creatine.
What is creatine loading?
Creatine loading is where the subject takes a high dose of creatine for the initial few days which is then followed by a maintenance lower dose for a few weeks. Some studies have shown that this achieves a higher concentration of muscle CP then by simply taking a maintenance dose alone. There are a number of loading regimens advocated by different manufacturers, but the following one seems to be optimal and most cost effective:
| Loading phase: | 10g per day, as 2 x 5g servings for 5 days |
| | 5g per day, for 5 days |
| | 3g per day, for 7 days. |
| Maintenance phase: | 2g per day, for 5 weeks. |
This may be followed by a period of rest from using creatine, or back on the loading phase.
Is creatine loading really necessary?
This is very controversial as there re some studies which show that it is beneficial to load, and others who show no benefit. The ones who show no benefit recommend 5g per day only for 6-7 weeks and claim that supplement companies advocate loading merely as a way of trying to sell more creatine. If you compare this to companies who advocate a 10g, 15g or eve 20g loading phase and maintenance of 5g per day, then the non-loading advocators are correct. However if you compare 5g per day to the example above you will use a lot more creatine over the few weeks by not loading; (Over a 52 day period using 5g per day throughout uses 260g in total; compared with just 166g in the above regimen).
To conclude, loading may/may not be necessary but, as it will save you money by loading, it makes sense to load.
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Do I need to cycle creatine?
After the maintenance phase you may desire a period of rest from using creatine, or you may go straight back on the loading phase. If you want to have some time off, have at least 2 weeks. There is no evidence that cycling creatine is any better than using is constantly. Anecdotally, there are mixed reports about cycling.
When during the day should I take creatine?
Creatine can be consumed any time of the day, as it is stored. Many experts advocate taking it immediately post workout, which is not only unnecessary, but also impractical, considering other nutrients which are consumed at this time. Furthermore, after a gruelling workout, you may feel a little sick and gulping down a creatine drink would not be desirable.
What do I mix creatine with?
Creatine is even more effective when taken with simple carbohydrates. This is due to the effect carbohydrates have on insulin release, and the insulin in turn helps muscle cell uptake of creatine. It has been suggested that a formula of roughly 35g of dextrose plus 5g of creatine monohydrate is the optimum for an effect, though this amount may be a little excessive.
A creatine serving is often preferred in a hot drink (for example tea / coffee) so it dissolves more easily, with a teaspoon of sugar and consume some fruit or fruit juice at the same time. Another idea is to drink your creatine in a hot full sugar cordial drink, like blackcurrant. However do not mix creatine into boiling fluids as creatine is destroyed at very high temperatures, let your drink cool to drinkable temperature before adding the powder.
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Which creatine formulas are best?
With loads of different types of creatine and formulas on the market it's no wonder the consumer gets confused. Creatine monohydrate is the form of creatine that is most commonly sold, because it is virtually tasteless and dissolves quite well in water. Creatine phosphate, creatine pyruvate and creatine citrate are also available, but are nowhere near as effective.
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Creatine is also available as creatine serum, effervescent creatine or sublingual creatine, each claiming, by clever marketing, to be more readily absorbed, but really they are a waste of money as creatine is not stable in liquid form. Creatine capsules are also available, although reported to be less effective as powder forms. Always make sure you use creatine monohydrate; the micronised creatine monohydrate formulas are great as they dissolve well.
There are also a number of creatine transport systems made from creatine monohydrate and other ingredients claiming to help maximise uptake. These are based on creatine and simple carbohydrates. Some also contain other ingredients like the amino acid taurine, which acts as an insulin mimicker, to aid creatine uptake; disodium phosphate, magnesium phosphate and potassium phosphate, all of which play a role in the formation of CP; and ribose which is also claimed to help uptake.
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How long before I notice the effects of creatine?
This varies and there is no definite answer. Due to the cell volumisation effects, you should notice an increase in weight during or soon after the first week if you opt to load. You should also start to notice a fuller feel to your muscles, more energy in the gym and heavier lifts with 1-2 weeks. Most size and strength gains from creatine are during its first month of use.
How much fluid should I drink while using creatine?
It is not possible to put a figure on this, so in practice (and irrespective of whether you are using creatine or not, as a good fluid intake is crucial for performance) drink regularly and plenty throughout the day. Thirst is not a good indicator.
Does caffeine affect creatine?
Some studies suggest reduced effectiveness of creatine when consumed with caffeine, but these have flaws. The ultimate limiting factor for exercise performance is hydration state (I cannot emphasise enough the importance of this), and one of the positive effects of creatine is cell volumisation, i.e. more fluid into muscles. If there is insufficient fluid in the body, then valuable extracellular water will be drawn into muscles. Caffeine in higher quantities is a diuretic, and may reduce hydration state; this could explain reduced performance and is easily rectified by drinking plenty of fluid whilst on a creatine cycle.
There is nothing wrong with taking creatine in a caffeinated beverage, nor with using caffeine pills pre-workout whilst on a creatine cycle, as long as you drink plenty of fluid throughout the day.
Can you drink alcohol while using creatine?
A small amount of alcohol consumed whilst using creatine is ok, as long as it is not too regular. The main problem with alcohol is that it can be a diuretic at higher intakes, so if you do drink make sure you drink plenty of fluid to keep hydrated afterwards.
Do acidic juices affect creatine?
In short, no, despite there being some claims that they do. Creatine is an acid itself and many early studies used acidic fruit juices as the method of administration.
What about carbonated beverages?
Again, no, in fact many people enjoy their creatine in Lucozade.
Does creatine compete for absorption with other nutrients/supplements?
Creatine is made up of amino acids but is absorbed in its undigested form as methylguanido-acetic acid, therefore does not compete with other amino acids for absorption. Simple carbohydrates may improve its absorption.
What are the side effects of creatine?
Creatine monohydrate has been shown in numerous studies to be, safe, even in large quantities, nevertheless there are some side effects of creatine which you need to be aware of before commencing its use.
Due to its effect on fluid balance after consuming creatine it can cause mild irritation to the stomach and nausea for a short while. This is particularly apparent during the loading phase. Whilst this is a little unpleasant, it is harmless and minimised if you consume plenty of fluid. For this reason I also wouldn't recommend you use creatine at times when you are prone to feeling a little sick, e.g. immediately after training or first thing when you wake up.
Muscle cramps have been reported in many athletes who supplement with creatine, which could lead to injuries, and impair performance. Muscle cramps tend to be more prevalent in more energetic sports like athletics and football, rather than bodybuilding.
Some users have reported headaches, but again, drinking plenty will help prevent this side effect.
Does creatine affect the kidneys?
In the clinical setting, creatinine levels are measured to assess kidney function. Creatine supplementation raises creatinine levels, although it is completely non-toxic to the kidneys. If you are supplementing with creatine and your doctor is running some blood tests, it is imperative that you inform him that you are using creatine otherwise this could give misleading information.
How old do you have to be to take creatine?
There appears to be no minimum age, but as I can see no benefit in anyone younger than 15 years old using it (due to the fact that children younger than this do not optimise their performance without ergogenic aids), I wouldn't suggest it be consumed by anyone under 15.
What is the shelf life of creatine?
Creatine monohydrate powder has a long shelf life of years, so it can be stored at home for ages. Always consume your supplements before the 'use by' date on the packet.
I've heard creatine can help some neurological disorders, is there any truth in this?
Some people are born with genetic disorders like muscular dystrophy where they have abnormally low levels of creatine phosphate in their muscles. Creatine supplementation, in such individuals, increases their strength and energy. The replenishment of ATP in sufferers of muscular dystrophy means that cells are better equipped to protect against injury and subsequent death. In theory, this may actually prolong the life of the individual.
Is creatine supplementation for me?
The aim of this article was for you to make up your own mind to answer this final question. Creatine is the most researched of all sports supplements and is still raved about by many sports people of different disciplines and definitely has a role in bodybuilding.
Whilst creatine is certainly no replacement for a good diet and more fundamental supplements like quality protein powders, it is definitely worth giving creatine monohydrate supplementation a try to see for yourself, and I do not doubt that you will see and feel positive results.
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