Should I be taking Creatine?
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Is Creatine part of your daily supplements? From a former clinical lab tech viewpoint, it is important to clarify some terms that sound similar. Only Serum Creatinine is measured as a laboratory analyte. Why?Because, Creatine is the precursor (or the predecessor) of Creatinine. Ughhh I know medicine and its sound alike terms. I’ll take a brief moment to applaud our medical heroes and all the medical jargon clarification they have to go through on a daily basis!
So how does this stuff work for me?
After synthesis in the liver, creatine is diffused into the bloodstream only to be taken up by the muscles to be stored in a high energy form called creatine phosphate. BAM! I knew my one semester of Biochemistry in college would pay off. I feel so nerdy with my glasses in front of a screen typing a biochem term cre*a*tine phos*phate. Creatine phosphate acts as a readily available source to regenerate adenosine triphosphate or ATP which is important in transforming chemical energy to actual muscle action. At this point the muscle now is able to produce Creatinine (this one is the one we usually measure in a lab for kidney function concomitantly with other analytes).
For a long time now creatine has been a popular supplement for athletes mostly due to its ergogenic value. Taking 5mg of Creatine daily has been shown to increase total creatine (TC) and phosphocreatine (PC) concentrations leading to explosive workouts. In other words, creatine improves strength, increases lean muscle mass and helps the muscles recover faster. You might see some weight gain on the scale,but don’t be alarmed. Creatine can pull water into the muscles. Creatine has no calories therefore has no effect on your fat metabolism.
What form and type should I take?
I take the powder type and in a micronized form. Micronized creatine powder dissolves better. Just make sure you shake that bottle and drink it with plenty of water.
I personally have used these two brands.
I also recommend:
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You can also obtain creatine from a diet rich in fish, meat or dairy and by synthesis of other amino acids like arginine, glycine, methionine in a substantial equal ratio.
Peace and Love Con Amor y Cariño
Carolina