Should Everyone Consider Using Creatine?

Creatine is the most heavily researched supplement in the world and has been deemed safe to use as a dietary supplement. Its popularity has been experienced by those both inside the fitness and athletic world as well as the normal everyday individual.

The most commonly used form of creatine used today is creatine monohydrate.

Is creatine a supplement you should consider using? In this article, we will look at the many benefits you can achieve through its use so that you can decide for yourself if it’s something you would like to include in your daily nutrition and supplement program.

‍

1. Improve Muscle Growth

Are you trying to put on muscle? Bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts alike all swear by creatine. It’s easy to use, flavorless, and with so much research backing it, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better (legal) supplement to help build quality lean muscle mass. 

Research has found that supplementing with creatine can help increase both muscle size and strength. One such reason for the size increase is due to water being pushed into the cells, causing a muscle volumizing effect. 

‍

2. Boost Energy

During exercise, your muscles demand energy to function optimally. Those who want workout performance and energy increases can utilize creatine to help replenish ATP levels in the body. When you exercise, ATP is broken down and used as an energy source to help you push through grueling sets.

Supplementing with creatine has been shown to improve short-duration, high-intensity exercise levels by helping replenish ATP energy stores.

Additionally, further research has documented that high-intensity exercise performance can increase by as much as 15%.

Outside of the gym, creatine has been found to help athletes such as hockey players on the ice. One study noted that power output during sprints on the ice increases significantly in the hockey players who used creatine versus those who didn’t use the supplement.

‍

3. Enhance Recovery

Muscle recovery is important to those who exercise regularly. Not only does better recovery help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, but it helps you get back in the gym sooner to further improve your fitness level and physique.

As an athlete, your risk of injury tends to be higher than the average person. Studies have shown that those who are injured can recover faster through the use of creatine supplements.

‍

4. Supports Brain Function

Regardless of if you’re an athlete, gym rat, or even a sedentary individual, creatine can help improve brain function. While many think of creatine as a means of putting on muscle size and strength, the brain also demands ATP in order to function optimally.

Interestingly enough, researchers discovered that the elderly could benefit from using creatine as it can support memory and recall ability as well as help prevent the loss of their muscle mass as they age. This is incredibly important and allows them to maintain their independence by maintaining their strength over time.

All that being said, one study found that brain health and overall functioning can be enhanced through the use of creatine supplements. Even better, creatine can be used by both men and women, no matter their age.