Frequently Asked Questions
What is creatine?
Creatine is an organic compound that catalyzes the production of ATP in the body.
What is adenosine triphosphate (ATP)?
ATP is an organic compound found in all cells. It is what provides energy to all cells and it is dependent on creatine for optimal energy production (e.g. muscle energy so that muscles can contract and “work”).
Is creatine naturally produced in the body?
Yes. Creatine is synthesized in the liver and it is naturally present in all cells, especially the muscles of the body as well as in the brain, heart, lungs, immune cells, pancreas, and kidneys. The body makes about half the creatine needed by the body and the rest is supposed to be ingested through foods like animal proteins.
Why is creatine supplementation necessary?
Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid that naturally occurs in vertebrates and helps to supply energy to the muscles and all cells of the body. It is involved in the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is the body’s universal energy molecule. Creatine is synthesized naturally in the liver, but the body only produces enough creatine to fulfill approximately half of the body’s daily required amount. Though creatine can be found in food sources, the amount is often so low and many people do not ingest enough creatine per day which makes supplementing with creatine a far more effective way to make sure you supply your body with the energy to function properly and optimally.
Does creatine cause your body to retain water?
No, unless you are taking inefficient forms that have low bioavailability which causes the body to have undesirable, extracellular fluid redistribution.
Is creatine HCl safe to supplement with every day?
Yes. When used as directed, creatine is safe to supplement with daily.
Is creatine beneficial for those who are not athletes or bodybuilders?
Yes. Creatine works to energize all the body’s cells and is used by every cell in the body. When used as directed, supplementing with creatine HCl helps to improve overall health – from immune support, to brain function, to heart health, and sexual wellness.
How does creatine provide energy for the cells in the body?
The body uses nutrients like glucose from food intake to provide fuel for the cells to function. When your body absorbs glucose, it undergoes glycolysis to convert the glucose to cellular fuel in order to energize your body. The body then begins the citric acid cycle, which serves as the main source of energy for your cells. The citric acid cycle produces many molecules for your body, one of the most significant molecules being adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the body’s universal energy molecule used to power all cells. Once ATP is used by the cells, the bi-products are adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and a loose phosphate. In order to “recycle” the ATP and thereby further energize your body’s cells, creatine molecules reattach the loose phosphates to ADP to quickly regenerate ATP, thus providing your cells with additional energy.
Have a question not answered above?
When it comes to creatine, there’s a lot to unpack. Whether you have a question about how it works in the body or why creatine HCl is the best for you, don’t hesitate to reach out.