Benefits of Creatine for Sports Performance
By Clare Keating, Sports Dietitian.
Creatine monohydrate is one of the most researched and effective sports for performance enhancement.
Widely embraced by athletes and fitness enthusiasts, creatine monohydrate has shown substantial evidence of boosting various aspects of sports performance.
What is Creatine
Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid that is found in foods (mainly red meat and seafood).
The majority of our body’s creatine is stored in skeletal muscles. Creatine monohydrate is the most researched and common form of creatine supplementation.
What are the benefits of Creatine?
1. Increased Muscle Phosphocreatine Levels:
Creatine increases the stores of phosphocreatine (PCr) in muscle cells. PCr plays a crucial role in rapidly regenerating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source for our cells, during high-intensity, short-duration activities like weightlifting and sprinting.
2. Improved Strength and Power Output:
Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of creatine on strength and power. By enhancing the resynthesis of ATP during intense, brief efforts, creatine enables athletes to exert more force and perform at a higher intensity, leading to improved strength gains and enhanced power output.
3. Enhanced High-Intensity Exercise Performance:
Athletes engaging in activities requiring short bursts of maximal effort, such as sprinting and jumping, may benefit significantly from creatine supplementation. Research consistently supports the notion that creatine enhances performance in high-intensity, anaerobic activities.
4. Accelerated Muscle Recovery:
Beyond acute performance benefits, creatine may contribute to enhanced muscle recovery. Some studies suggest that creatine supplementation can reduce muscle damage and inflammation, potentially leading to quicker recovery between bouts of intense exercise.
5. Positive Effects on Cognitive Function:
Emerging research indicates that creatine may also have cognitive benefits. Given the crucial role of ATP in brain function, creatine supplementation has shown promise in tasks requiring short-term memory and cognitive processing, potentially providing athletes with a mental edge.
Creatine dosage
The recommend dose is 3-5g of creatine monohydrate per day.
It is important that you are consistent with this to ensure you’re achieving optimal creatine muscle saturation. Therefore, creatine can be taken at any time of day.
There is also an optional loading phase of 20g per day for 5-7 days. This can help you reach saturation levels quicker, but may results in gastrointestinal upsets – so be wary of that.
Conclusion
Creatine monohydrate stands as a well-supported and scientifically validated supplement for enhancing sports performance.
From increased muscle phosphocreatine levels to improved strength, power, and even cognitive function, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the benefits of creatine supplementation.
As with any supplement, individual responses may vary, and it's important to approach supplementation with proper knowledge and guidance. Whether you're a competitive athlete or a fitness enthusiast, creatine monohydrate could be a game-changer in unlocking your full athletic potential.