Creatine is an amino acid derived from Arginine, Glycine and Methionine which is made in the body by the liver and kidneys, and is derived from the diet through meat and animal products. Creatine (creatine monohydrate) is a colorless, crystalline substance used in muscle tissue for the production of phosphocreatine, an important factor in the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the source of energy for muscle contraction and many other functions in the body.

Creatine supplements have gained much popularity in recent years, particularly among body builders and competitive athletes. In fact, as many as 4% of Americans have taken a sports enhancing supplement. Estimates ranging from $45 million to $1.4 billion dollars are spent on sports related supplements each year, including roughly $14 million on creatine specifically. The attraction of creatine, again, is that it may enhance athletic performance, particularly during high-intensity, short-duration sports (like high jumping and weight lifting).

However, not all studies have confirmed this beneficial response and not every individual responds positively to creatine supplements. For example, people who tend to have naturally high stores of creatine in their muscles will not experience an energy-boosting effect from extra creatine. Preliminary studies also suggest that creatine's ability to increase muscle mass and strength could hold special advantages for combating muscle weakness associated with various neuromuscular disorders.

Benefits and Uses
• increases muscle mass and size
• increases energy levels
• helps speed up recovery rates
• gives athletes/bodybuilders a competitive edge
• increases strength and endurance
• accelerates fat loss while building lean body mass