Creatine is primarily known for its benefits in improving muscle energy, strength, and athletic performance. Here are some key benefits of creatine:
- Builds muscle mass : Creatine helps muscles grow by increasing the water content in muscle cells and boosting biological signals for muscle repair and growth.
- Improves athletic performance : It enhances performance especially in high-intensity, short-duration activities like sprinting, jumping, and powerlifting by helping muscles regenerate energy quickly.
- Increases exercise tolerance : It helps you sustain high-intensity exercise for longer.
- Aids post-exercise recovery : It can reduce fatigue and help muscles recover faster after workouts.
- Reduces injuries, dehydration, and cramping : Some research suggests it may protect against injury and reduce cramps and dehydration during exercise.
- Supports brain health and cognitive function : Creatine also benefits the brain by increasing phosphocreatine stores which may help with cognitive conditions, brain injury recovery, and neurological diseases.
- Supports heart and bone health : It may help lower triglycerides, support heart function during stress, and reduce bone loss.
- May help manage certain medical conditions : Research indicates potential benefits in conditions like Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, dementia, and some metabolic and immune functions.
Overall, creatine supplementation is popular for boosting muscle strength and size, improving high-intensity exercise performance, and supporting various aspects of health including brain, heart, and bone health.