Creatine

Creatine at Walgreens

Creatine is an amino acid found mostly in the muscles of the body. It plays an important role in muscle contraction, and it’s used during physical activity as a source of energy. People usually get creatine by consuming red meat and seafood, but the body also produces small amounts of creatine in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. People can also get creatine in supplement form, and evidence supports creatine supplementation as a way to boost athletic performance in many people. Creatine supplements are available in powder and capsule form, and they can be purchased in stores and online at Walgreens.

What is creatine?

Creatine is an amino acid stored primarily in the muscles. Small amounts of creatine can also be found in the brain, kidneys, and the testes of men. Foods such as red meat, milk and seafood contain creatine. Creatine levels in foods are much lower than the levels found in creatine supplements, so many people choose to take creatine supplements to improve athletic performance, increase strength, and increase muscle size. Creatine supplements are generally safe when taken in the recommended dose, although some people may experience mild weight gain as more water is retained in the muscles. Speak with your healthcare provider before taking creatine supplements.

What does creatine do?

Creatine helps muscles contract and provides a continuous source of energy to muscles during physical activity and strength training. When taken as a supplement, the body stores more creatine in the muscles, allowing some people to experience higher energy and strength levels during activity. While creatine is often used by high-performance athletes, amateur athletes and active people can also experience benefits. It can take up to four weeks to see effects after starting creatine supplementation, and not everyone reports benefits from taking creatine.

There is also some evidence that suggests creatine can be helpful beyond athletic performance and may play a role in injury prevention, cognition and brain health. The role creatine may play in these areas is still being studied. Creatine supplements can also be useful for vegetarians and vegans who may have low creatine levels due to their diets, and for children with rare conditions that cause creatine deficiency in the body. While creatine is generally safe for men and women over 18, more research is needed to determine whether it’ safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement, especially if you are taking other medications.