Imagine you’ve just wrapped up an intense workout, feeling the endorphins flood your system, but then comes the question: what can you do to enhance your gains? Enter creatine, one of the most popular and well-researched supplements in the fitness world. But what exactly happens in your body after you take it? This article will take you on a journey through the biochemical effects of creatine, illuminating both the benefits and potential pitfalls.
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in small amounts in certain foods, like red meat and fish. It plays a crucial role in energy production, particularly during high-intensity exercise. Discovered in the early 19th century, creatine is synthesized in the liver from the amino acids glycine, methionine, and arginine.
On average, a 155-pound person has about 120 grams of creatine stored in their muscles, primarily utilized for energy during workouts.
When you take creatine, your body converts it into creatine phosphate. This transformation is vital for energy production. Muscle contractions require ATP (adenosine triphosphate), but the stores of ATP in your muscles are limited and can only sustain activity for a few seconds.
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