Showing posts with label supplementation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label supplementation. Show all posts

Friday, October 14, 2011

Creatine Sport Supplements: Positive Benefits of Creatine Supplementation

Buy Creatine is not a drug, steroid or artificial aid. It is made in your body and every single person carries a significant amount of creatine around in their bodies at all times, with around 95% of this creatine stored in muscle tissue.

The idea of ingesting creatine to increase creatine levels in the body is not new. First discovered in 1832 by French scientist Michel Eugene Chevreul, the name 'creatine' is based on the Latin name for 'meat' as meat is one of the common sources of dietary creatine.

It was first noted in 1912 that ingesting creatine boosted the levels of creatine found in skeletal muscle tissue. By even the early part of the 20th Century it was well known by researchers that creatine was one of the principal parts of muscle metabolism.

By 1992 numerous athletes had begun to utilise creatine supplementation to boost muscle levels and enjoy an ergogenic (performance enhancing) effect. In 1993, the company EAS released Phosphagen, the first branded mainstream form of Creatine supplement. Since that time studies on Creatine have led to a greater understanding of its benefits, effects, method of action and numerous attempts to improve and expand the uses of this substance making it one of the most ubiquitous supplements ever produced.

What is creatine?

Creatine is made up of three amino acids - Arginine, Glycine and Methionine. These amino acids can be synthesized in the liver to produce creatine. It is also possible to ingest creatine from dietary meat sources, though vegetarians and vegans will generally have lower creatine stores due to lack of meat ingestion. Today's creatine supplements are not derived from meat however; they are synthesized in laboratories from the three amino acids to produce a simple powdered format creatine.

The average male weighing 160lbs in bodyweight will carry approximately 120grams of creatine in their bodies. 95%-98% of this is stored in skeletal muscle tissue, with the remainder in various organs, primarily the brain, heart and reproductive systems.

Vegetarians and Vegans will generally ingest no dietary creatine and their stores are produced entirely by synthesis in the liver from amino acid sources. Meat eaters may ingest anywhere between a few hundred milligrams up to 3 or 4 grams daily depending on the meat sources chosen.

Supplemental creatine use allows users to ingest in the range of 5 to 20 grams of creatine daily without high meat consumption in a directly usable form.

When creatine has moved through the energy cycle, it produces the waste by-product creatinine. Creatinine release is a marker of kidney dysfunction which often accounts for early (but now dismissed) concerns that creatine supplementation placed stress on the kidneys. Increased creatinine waste products in the case of athletes do not signal kidney stress, it is merely the by-product of ingesting larger amounts of creatine and utilising more creatine in muscle energy metabolism than a non-athletic individual.

The Purpose of Creatine

Creatine is directly involved in the ATP-PC (adenosine tri-phosphate-phosphocreatine) energy system of the body. The body has various energy systems available to it to power activity and processes. Systems such as the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems involve the creation of energy from synthesis of carbohydrate and fat stores and fuel sources, although these are more complex processes that are efficient but slow. The ATP-PC energy system is an immediate source of energy for muscle tissue - any sudden, explosive activity where muscles contract fast will initially rely on the ATP-PC system. This includes weight lifting, sprinting etc.

During the ATP energy cycle ATP is broken down very rapidly into simpler chemical compounds offering a burst of energy. Unfortunately this system is depleted very rapidly with maximum exertion activity depleting current stores within 10 to 15 seconds. Once this system is exhausted the body must move onto the more complex process of anaerobic activity.

Creatine binds with the reduced ADP (adenosine di-phosphate) using phosphorus stores which helps regenerate ADP back into ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate). This means a very rapid return of fast action energy source for muscles. You can immediately push more weight for longer, sprint harder without burning out etc.

This is the central role played by creatine. By increasing supplemental creatine levels users will often find they can perform more reps at maximum exertion or sprint longer without switching over to the anaerobic system. It also means faster recovery of ATP levels, meaning shorter rests are needed between maximum exertion efforts.

Other Athletic benefits of Creatine

There are noted benefits from using creatine other than the direct replenishment of ATP.

*Cell Volumization - When larger than normal levels of creatine saturate the muscles from supplementation, this draws fluid into the actual muscle cells themselves, creating a 'super-hydration' effect. This is not to be confused with the term 'fluid retention' which is the bloat caused by water retained under the skin. In the creatine scenario fluid actually swells the cells of muscles. This accounts for much of the initial weight and muscle size gains found with creatine use. This weight gain generally occurs within the first 7 to 14 days of supplementing with higher levels of creatine. If supplemental creatine is withdrawn, this 'super-Volumization' slowly erodes until muscles return to their normal hydration state.

*Enhanced Protein Synthesis - There are numerous studies which now suggest creatine also helps increase the nitrogen retention and protein synthesis of muscle metabolism. This essentially means that higher protein ingestion will lead to faster muscle growth development and improve retention of lean muscle tissue. This benefit is likely a combination of the ATP-replenishment and Cell volumising properties.

Other Benefits of Creatine supplementation

More recent medical studies have shown that creatine supplementation may have other, non-athletic benefits. Creatine is now used in those with both muscle wasting and neuro-degenerative diseases, showing major benefits in retaining muscle and protecting nerves and nerve signalling pathways. This has led to numerous studies on the effect of creatine supplementation on preventing cognitive dysfunction in conditions such as Alzheimer's and Dementia, as well as nerve related conditions.

Creatine supplementation is currently undergoing trials as a 'cognitive nutracuetical' or 'smart drug' - which may enhance brain function, improving memory, co-ordination, focus and mental alertness. Many athletes have noted these effects but strict medical studies are required to understand these anecdotes.

Creatine Forms

Creatine supplements come in a wide variety of forms.

*Creatine Monohydrate - This simple form of creatine bound to a single water molecule is the most common and widely available form of creatine. It is usually found as a simple white powder which may be mixed with protein shakes, beverages or come in specialised loading drinks which utilise fast action carbohydrates and other insulin stimulators to increase uptake of creatine to muscle cells. This is the most economical form of creatine and the most widely used, however around 1 in 7 users will be a poor responder to creatine monohydrate and see little ability to uptake it, often resulting in digestive distress, bloating and no increase in strength or energy levels. Creatine Monohydrate may also be found in 'Micronized' form. This simply means the powder is reduced in granularity making it easier to dissolve in water or other liquids.

*Creatine-Ethyl-Ester - Creatine bound to an ethyl ester group as opposed to a water molecule as with Monohydrate Creatine. Ethyl Ester groups are designed to allow more creatine to pass into muscle tissue without wastage and without the need to ingest higher and higher doses for low responders. Users of Creatine-Ethyl-Ester generally find less digestive problems than creatine monohydrate and it may work well for non responders. Ethyl-Ester creatine is more often found in tablet or capsule format as opposed to drink mix powders.

*Kre-Alkalyn Creatine - Kre-Alkalyn Creatine is a patented form of creatine which claims to offer a better pH balance for creatine. This means the product will be more stable in liquids and larger amounts will reach skeletal muscle intact and not break down into the by-product creatinine. Kre-Alkalyn creatine can therefore be used in much lower doses than regular creatine monohydrate, perhaps as little as 2 grams of Kre-Alkalyn offering the same benefits of 10 grams of ingested Creatine Monohydrate. The patented nature of Kre-Alkalyn however does make it far more expensive to use than regular creatine.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Creatine supplements for sport: the positive effects of creatine supplementation

Buy creatine, not steroids or artificial aid of drugs. It is made ​​in your body and every person has a very significant amount of creatine in your body around at any time, with about 95% of the creatine stored in muscle tissue.

The idea of ingesting creatine to increase levels of creatine in the body is not new. Discovered in 1832 by French scientist Michel Eugène Chevreul, 'Creatine' name is based on the Latin namefor 'flesh' as the meat is one of the common sources of creatine in the diet.

It was first observed in 1912 that the intake of creatine increased levels of creatine in skeletal muscle tissue. Even with the early part of the 20 was well known to researchers that creatine is a key part of muscle metabolism.

In 1992, many athletes have started to use creatine supplements to increase muscle levels and enjoy an ergogenic(Performance) effect. In 1993, the Company issued EAS Phosphagen, the traditional form of the brand, first supplement creatine. Since creatine studies have led to greater understanding of the benefits, effects, the mode of action and several attempts to improve and expand the use of this substance that makes it one of the most popular supplements ever produced.

What is creatine?

Creatine is made ​​up of three amino acids acids - arginine, glycine and methionine. These amino acids can be synthesized in the liver to produce creatine. It also can ingest creatine from food sources of meat, but vegetarians and vegans are generally lower than the stores of creatine by lack of eating meat. Today, creatine supplements are not derived from meat, however, are synthesized in the laboratory by three amino acid powder to produce a simple formatCreatine>.

The average man weighs 160 pounds cause 120grams of creatine into your body. 95% -98% of this is stored in skeletal muscle tissue, and the rest in various organs, especially the brain, heart and reproductive system.

Vegetarians and vegans do not usually eat food and stores of creatine are produced entirely by synthesis in the liver of amino acid sources. meat eaters can eat anywhere from a fewhundreds of milligrams to grams 3 or 4 per day, depending on the source of meat chosen.

the use of extra creatine enables users to ingest in the range of 5 to 20 grams of creatine per day, without consumption of meat in a directly usable form.

When creatine is moving through the energy cycle that produces waste products of creatinine. Release creatinine is a marker of renal dysfunction is often the first (but now rejected) concernsthat creatine supplementation stressed kidneys. The increase in waste products of creatinine in the case of athletes sign of stress in the kidney, is simply the product of the ingestion of large amounts of creatine and creatine use more muscle energy metabolism in an individual non- athletic.

The purpose of creatine

Creatine is directly involved in the PC-ATP (adenosine triphosphate-phosphocreatine), energybody's system. The body has different energy systems available to the task of feeding and processes. Systems such as aerobic and anaerobic energy system involves the creation of energy from carbohydrates and the synthesis of fatty deposits and fuel sources, although it is more complex processes that are efficient, but slow. The power system ATP-PC is an immediate source of energy for muscle tissue - in the case of sudden and explosive activity in the muscles to contract quickly was initially based on the ATP-PCsystem. This includes weight lifting, sprinting, etc.

During the energy cycle of ATP, ATP is degraded rapidly in simple chemical compounds, providing an energy boost. Unfortunately, this system has run very fast with activities that reduce the maximum force, current stores within 10 to 15 seconds. Once this system is out of the body should move to more complex process of anaerobic exercise.

Creatine binds to the reduction of ADP (adenosine diphosphate), usingstores of phosphorus, which helps recharge the ADP back into ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This means a fast return to the quick source of energy for muscle action. Now you can move more weight for longer, more difficult to sprint out without burning, etc.

This is the central role of creatine. Increased level of creatine supplement users are often able to perform more repetitions with maximum effort sprints or more without the transition to the anaerobic system. It is alsofaster recovery of ATP levels, which means that more short pauses between the efforts of maximum effort.

Other benefits of creatine Athletic

No known benefits of using creatine is not the direct recovery of ATP.

* Cell Volume - When greater than normal levels of creatine to saturate the muscles of a supplement, the liquid is drawn into the muscle cells themselves, the creation of super-hydration "effect" of a file. This isnot be confused with "fluid retention" the term that is caused by heavy water stored under the skin. On stage liquid creatine really inflates the muscle cells. This explains much of the initial weight and muscle mass gains are found with the use of creatine. This weight gain usually occurs within the first 7 to 14 days to integrate higher levels of creatine. Removing extra creatine, this "super-volumizing" slowly erodesuntil the muscles to a normal state of hydration.

* Improved protein synthesis - Numerous studies suggest that creatine hours also helps to increase nitrogen retention and protein synthesis of muscle metabolism. This essentially means that the higher protein intake will lead to faster growth in muscle development and improve retention of muscle tissue. This benefit is probably a combination of ATP supply and to cell volumeproperty.

Other benefits of creatine supplementation

Other medical studies have shown that creatine supplementation may have other non-athletic benefits. Creatine is being used in those with muscular atrophy and neuro-degenerative diseases, which shows significant benefits in preserving and protecting the nerve and muscle pathways signaling. This has led to numerous studies on the effects of creatine supplementation on preventioncognitive dysfunction in conditions such as Alzheimer's and dementia, as well as nerve-related diseases.

Creatine supplementation is being tested in a "nutracuetical cognitive" or "smart drugs" - that can improve brain function, improve memory, coordination, concentration and mental agility. Many athletes have noted these effects, but rigorous studies are needed to understand these stories.

The forms of creatine

CreatineSupplements are available in a wide variety of ways.

* Creatine monohydrate - This simple form of creatine bound to a molecule of water is common and widely available only creatine. Usually found as a white powder that can easily be mixed with protein shakes, drink or Drink come loaded with specialized carbohydrate boosters rapid-acting insulin to increase the absorption of creatine into muscle cells. This is the most economic form of creatine and the most common, but about 1 in 7 people is a poor response to creatine monohydrate, and see the low absorption capacity, often resulting in indigestion, flatulence and no increase in levels of force or energy. Creatine monohydrate can also be found in a "micronized. This simply means that the powder granularity is reduced making it easier to dissolve in water or other liquids.

* Creatine ethyl ester -> Creatine ethyl ester is associated with a group instead of a water molecule as creatine monohydrate. Ethyl Ester groups are designed to allow to happen more creatine in muscle tissue, without waste and without the need to eat higher doses and greater bass response. Users of creatine ethyl ester digestive problems are usually less than creatine monohydrate and can work well for non-responders. Creatine Ethyl Ester is more common intablet or capsule form instead of powdered drink mix.

* Kre-Alkalyn Creatine - Kre-Alkalyn Creatine is a patented form of creatine which aims to provide a better balance in the pH of the creatine down. This means that the product will be more stable in liquids and most of the skeletal muscle intact and not break get in the product creatinine. Kre-Alkalyn Creatine can be used in lower doses as regular creatinemonohydrate, perhaps as little as 2 grams of Kre-Alkalyn offers the same benefits of eating 10 grams of creatine monohydrate. The nature of the patented Kre-Alkalyn but makes it more expensive to use regular creatine .