Creatine is in fact one of the most well-researched nutritional supplements on the market. Below are some of the benefits studies have proven come from this supplement:
Creatine can help make you stronger. Several studies have shown that creatine supplementation results in strength gains. In a meta-analysis of 22 studies on creatine, researchers found that individuals who use it show an 8% increase in strength compared to those who don’t.
Creatine can help your muscles grow bigger. Creatine makes your muscles look bigger, while actually making them bigger as well. First, creatine causes your muscle cells to store more water which causes your muscles to appear fuller and larger. You may notice the size increase a few days or weeks after starting creatine supplementation. (Keep in mind that if dropping sheer poundage is what you’re after, like in preparation for a wrestling weigh-in, this water retention may not be something you desire.) The other way creatine can help your muscles grow is that it can help you to lift heavier weight at more volume. Over time, your muscles will get bigger from this increased intensity.
Creatine can help you sprint faster. Research has found that creatine supplementation can increase sprinting speeds. So if you want to get faster, supplementing with creatine can help.
Creatine can speed up recovery. Intense exercise causes your muscle fibers to tear and creates inflammation. Some research suggests that supplementing with creatine can reduce the cell damage and inflammation that occurs during intense training, thus speeding up recovery. The faster you can recover, the faster you can achieve those gains goals.
Creatine may help strengthen your brain. While the bulk of your body’s creatine resides in its musculature, smaller amounts are also found in your testes and brain. It takes a lot of energy to power your brain and, just like in your muscles, that energy transfer is carried out through ATP. Creatine has been found to play a major role in ATP levels in the brain. One study found that higher creatine concentrations in the brain resulted in improved mental performance and that this concentration can be increased substantially by supplementation.
Creatine is inexpensive. Not only is creatine more effective than almost all other supplements, it’s also a whole lot cheaper.
Creatine is safe. After 35 years of testing on infants, athletes, and adults. Creatine has been found to be completely safe, even after years of use. It won’t damage your kidneys or liver. It doesn’t cause dehydration. The only issue you might have is nausea or diarrhoea, but that only happens if you take too much.