Creatine monohydrate is a naturally occurring substance found in animal protein sources, such as meat and fish, and is also produced in the human body. It is a popular sports supplement that is used to enhance athletic performance, increase muscle mass and strength and improve recovery.
The main benefit of creatine monohydrate is its ability to support the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the body. ATP is the primary energy source used by cells, particularly muscle cells, to fuel muscular contractions. By increasing ATP production, creatine can help to improve strength, power, and endurance during exercise.
Another benefit of creatine monohydrate is its ability to improve recovery following exercise. Creatine can help to reduce muscle damage and inflammation, allowing for faster recovery and improved performance during subsequent workouts. It can also help to reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, allowing individuals to train harder and more frequently.
Creatine monohydrate can also help to increase muscle mass and improve body composition. When creatine is stored in the muscles, it draws water into the cells, causing them to swell and appear larger. This can lead to an increase in muscle size and improved definition. This can support resistance against heat stress and loss of hydration.
Creatine monohydrate has also been shown to have cognitive benefits. It can help to improve brain function and memory, particularly in individuals who are sleep-deprived or under stress. Additionally, some studies have suggested that creatine may have neuroprotective effects and could be useful in the treatment of certain neurological disorders.
Dosing should be varied according to training load, total muscle mass, and loading protocol.
For a standard maintenance dosing 3g daily for smaller individuals up to 10g is common. To quickly reach saturation some persons may want to dose up to 30g daily, split across the day in 10g increments.