Effect

Creatine unfolds its effect in the provision of energy directly in the cells of the muscles. As the muscle works, it contracts (contracts) by releasing energy through ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The release of a phosphate molecule releases the energy that makes us run, throw or ride a bike.

The ATP becomes ADP (adenosine diphosphate). After the stress is over, the muscles have to regenerate and accumulate new ATP. To do this, however, it now needs a phosphate molecule.

Creatine can bind a so-called phosphate residue and react as creatine phosphate with the adenosine diphosphate. Creatine is thus the precursor of the energy carrier creatine phosphate, which in turn can react with ADP to form a new high-energy ATP. The ATP is now again stored in the muscles and stored for the next load.

During this process of energy supply, creatine ensures a fast regeneration of ATP in the muscles, as it can be stored directly in the muscle cells and is therefore always available on site. In addition, studies have shown that creatine ensures that more carbohydrates are stored in the cells. This aspect is particularly important for endurance athletes such as cyclists, swimmers, runners, joggers and climbers and can be jointly responsible for better performance.

Creatine is also said to have a weight-reducing effect when taken in conjunction with weight training. The weight reduction results from an improved fat metabolism, which can also cause a decreasing fat content in the body. So if you want to reduce your body fat percentage, you can achieve good results with creatine in combination with weight training.

But creatine also has other areas of action outside sport. It can support the supply of minerals for the bones, help with cardiac arrhythmias after a heart attack and also have positive effects on mental fatigue and lack of concentration. Creatine is also said to have a positive supportive effect in other diseases such as AIDS, cancer or ALS, and thus not only serve as a dietary supplement, but also as a therapeutic substance. However, further studies are needed to confirm the assumptions made so far in order to make reliable statements about the efficacy of creatine.