Creatine is a widely used dietary supplement, especially popular among athletes and those engaged in high-intensity workouts. It's primarily known for its role as an ergogenic aid, which means it helps enhance physical performance, particularly in activities that involve short bursts of intense exercise like weightlifting¹. Creatine achieves this by increasing the body's ability to produce energy rapidly, enhancing muscle performance and recovery¹².

In addition to improving strength and exercise performance, creatine supplementation can lead to increases in lean muscle mass². It's also associated with other benefits such as enhanced post-exercise recovery, injury prevention, and rehabilitation support². Moreover, research indicates it may have potential neurological benefits, possibly aiding cognitive function and mood stability by maintaining energy levels in brain cells³.

Long-term creatine supplementation has been shown to be safe and beneficial for health in various populations when used appropriately³. However, effectiveness can vary based on individual physiology and the type of exercise being performed².

Footnotes

1. Benjamin Wax, "Creatine for Exercise and Sports Performance," Nutrients, 2021. ↩ ↩²

2. Matthew Hall, "Creatine Supplementation: An Update," Curr Sports Med Rep, 2021. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴

3. Richard B. Kreider, "Creatine in Health and Disease," 2021. ↩ ↩²