Creatine is a chemical naturally produced by the human body. It is produced in the liver and kidneys from the amino acids L-arginine, L-methionine, and glycine. Nearly 95% of the body’s supply of creatine is contained in the skeletal muscle. Although creatine can be found in fish and meat, it is a popular supplement among athletes because once changed into phosphocreatine, it is stored in the muscles and then used for energy. Bodybuilders especially love it because during short intense bursts of exercise, such as weight lifting, phosphocreatine turns into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is what 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 was first identified in 1832, but it did not rise as a popular supplement until the early 1990’s when it was discovered to be safe to use to naturally, and legally, boost athletic performance while increasing lean muscle mass. This supplement has such huge appeal with bodybuilders and other athletes that recent annual sales of the product have reportedly been between $100 and $200 million. Accepted by professional athletes and sports enthusiasts all over the world, this supplement has been rising in popularity for almost twenty years. Some may still question the benefits of creatine, but for others the verdict is clear.

Creatine & Professional Athletes
Creatine is extremely popular among professional athletes. According to published reports, half of all professional football players, and at least a quarter of all professional baseball players, use it. It is also unbelievably popular with bodybuilders because it stimulates muscle growth and boosts muscle mass. Professional athletes such as Troy Aikman, Sammy Sosa, and John Elway have publicly endorsed this supplement and claimed it to be an important factor in their athletic achievements.

Creatine & Young Athletes
The use of creatine in adolescent athletes, who are anxious to increase their lean muscle mass and improve their performance, has increased significantly. However, they are the age group most likely to not take creatine in the amounts recommended by scientific findings. Surveys show that adolescents exceed both loading and maintenance dosages in order to achieve the results they desire more quickly. This is troublesome because although generally safe, high doses of creatine can have serious side effects including kidney damage.

Creatine & Athletic Competition
Professional sports, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and the International Olympic Committee, all allow the use of creatine. However, in 2000, colleges and universities were prohibited by NCAA from distributing or paying for creatine using school money.