Creatine is a natural supplement commonly used today by most
athletes across all sports. However not a lot of people understand how
it works to help the body. The science behind this nitrogenic molecule
is relatively simple and quite great.
Commonly, we hear, know and use the term creatine and creatine
monohydrate. However what we are actually know to be creatine is
actually creatine phosphate. This is important. Phosphate plays an
essential role in converting adenosine diphosphate (ADP) into adenosine
triphosphate (ATP), which is the conversion of potential energy to
usable energy (ADP --> ATP). creatine phosphate is synthesized in the
liver and kidneys and is transported into the blood stream to be used
by the muscles to create ATP. This essentially gives the muscles more
energy. With more energy, more repetitions or activity can be performed
by the muscle, thus causing it greater fatigue and then the muscle will
want to repair stronger.
The ultimate purpose of creatine has been thoroughly explained.
However, there is still the question of what kinds of differences exist
between types of creatine. There are two types in particular that we
supplement. The monohydrates and alkaline creatines. The monohydrate
simply means that the creatine phosphate molecule has an additional
hydrogen molecule on its structure. This is why with this type of
creatine, water retention occurs. We know that it takes 2 hydrogens and 1
oxygen to form a water molecule. Well the single hydrogen on the
creatine monohydrate actually forms with hydroxide (OH) molecules in the
bloodstream to form more water. This is where the extra water retention
comes from. In addition, this lowers the blood pH in the body since
basic OH molecules are being used up by monohydrates. This is why you
have to cycle a creatine monohydrate. Long periods of low blood pH isn't
healthy.
This is why a lot of new creatine formulas today try to use an
alkaline (neutral ph buffered) creatine. without the monohydrate, no
water retention occurs and you still get the great affects of the
creatine and you never have to cycle it. It can even be used during
contest prep for bodybuilders as there is no water retention.
Hopefully this helps clear the air!
