Informative Essay On Creatine

Creatine
Did you know that over 80% of the athletes who participated in the Olympic Games held in Atlanta in 1996 said they had used creatine to improve their performance during their events? That is pretty startling. These athletes were attempting to use creatine to help restore lost energy and build muscle. Creatine supplements have some benefits that have been documented in various research studies, however there are some risks as well. Different governing bodies and health professionals have written position statements on creatine supplementation. It is important not only to know the risks and benefits but to seek professional guidance before starting creatine supplementation.
Creatine, a natural substance that is made in the human
body, is a chemical that helps regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in muscles when we are pumping iron or exercising. Omnivores and carnivores alike obtain creatine from the body as well as from the meats that are consumed in a daily omnivorous or carnivorous diet.
One can obtain about five grams per kilogram from fish and about two grams per kilogram of creatine from beef. Naturally, herbivores have lower levels of creatine due to the fact that they do not eat meat. Recommendations for the amount of creatine that is in supplements varies greatly.
The main reason people supplement with creatine according to most sources it is to get larger muscles. The theory is that creatine helps regenerate ATP that is lost while working out. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is “the primary carrier of energy in cells.”(Brittanica). Cellular respiration creates energy from food molecules and ATP carries that energy throughout the body where it is needed. So, if we can aid in regenerating ATP then less energy will be lost during the workout. However, just because a supplement works one way for someone does not mean it works the same way for everyone. A question that is often asked is, “What effect does creatine have on muscle?” The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition says that creatine “seems to produce positive effects on strength,
power, fat free mass, daily living performance and neurological function in young and older people” (JISSN). Many studies involving people, young and old, vegetarian and omnivorous, and male and female have been done to see the effect on creatine (JISSN). The studies showed an increase in performance of activities that were anaerobic like sprinting, hill sprints, suicides, gassers, etc. (JISSN). The reason these exercises are anaerobic is because they all mainly utilize the “fast twitch” muscles that rely on anaerobic respiration for their power. Anaerobic is defined as “without oxygen.” A test was done on female swimmers for the aerobic exercising (JISSN). There was also a positive correlation between creatine and aerobic exercises, but there is speculation as to whether it just affected the anaerobic areas of swimming or if it actually affected the “slow twitch muscles.” (JISSN). An example of that would be the original reaction when the gun goes off at the starting gate is utilizing your “fast twitch” muscles; however, the rest of the race is utilizing your “slow twitch” muscles. Many also wonder how it affects one’s metabolism. The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition has discovered through many studies that creatine has a very low effect on glycine metabolism (JISSN).
Many positive effects of creatine deal with bodybuilders and athletes; however, it can help people suffering with myopathy.
Myopathy is a disease that affects the muscle tissue of an individual. The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition states that “Myopathy patients have demonstrated reduced levels of total creatine…” (JISSN). Therefore, creatine supplementation might help myopathy patients along with other medications. As one can see, there are many positive effects of creatine supplementation; however, there are also some negative effects. A large portion of the creatine supplement market is with adolescents or teenagers; however, there is not much data supporting the use of creatine for people younger than 18. This is because high school athletes and younger athletes are still working through the effects of puberty and their bodies are still developing. The best option for teenagers for creatine supplementation is to obtain it through a healthy diet and proper exercise.
Another side effect has to do with the way creatine leaves the body. Many vitamins and other chemicals leave the body through renal filtration. This can lead to kidney problems later because of the extra work that the kidney has to do due to the added chemicals of the creatine
supplementation.
An additional side effect has to do with the heart. While building all of this muscle, the heart is struggling to keep up with the new activities and new strength. Due to this, the heart can undergo palpitations and people can have heart failure. In 1997, there were three collegiate wrestlers who died during their workout. The perplexing part of this situation was that these wrestlers were not related at all but died the same way. They died of heart complications during a workout. There were many investigations by different agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA investigated because of the recent popularity of creatine by many wrestlers while trying to “make weight.” Another way to cut weight is to sweat the water weight out which eventually leads to dehydration. Dehydration and creatine do not mix, and the combination can increase the rates of heart complications. There have been numerous changes in quality control of creatine since 1997; however, everybody has a different genetic makeup so everybody will react differently to supplements(Litsky,1). Now, because of the negative side effects, many organizations have decided to take a position statement on this controversial supplement. In fact, Prescott High School (PHS) in Prescott, Arizona has taken a stand on this supplement. On the Prescott High School Sports Medicine website, it states, “PEDs are Drugs/substances taken by athletes that help improve their performance. Often illegal or, at least, banned by the governing body of the sport the athlete participates in, these substances are taken for the specific reason to improve performance. Performance Enhancing Drugs - PEDs can be a reference to many different types of substances including anabolic steroids, human growth hormones, and certain stimulants. Common street names for these drugs are: "juice", "roids", "gym candy", "pumpers" or "stackers".... Example of some more commonly used PED’s and supplements are: Growth Hormone (GH) and its releasing factors and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), which can be found in the GNC product known as Bio Grow. *** Biogrow was recently placed on the “high risk” list by WADA & USADA. Creatine (powder/pill form), Caffeine Powder - monitored by WADA and could possibly be banned, Deer Antler Spray” (Lestock). So it is banned by PHS for any athlete participating in a school sanctioned sport. However, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) does not ban creatine because they consider it a dietary supplement, not an anabolic steroid. The National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) also considers it a dietary supplement even though it stimulates muscle growth in the skeletal muscles of the human body (NATA). The National Football League (NFL) is divided on whether or not it is banned, but some teams such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have banned it from their locker rooms (Freeman). This is not a smart move for Tampa because their team could use all the help it can get, but they are setting the tone for other NFL teams. The players are also setting a good example for teens who look up to them by saying “I didn’t take creatine supplements, but I am in the NFL.”
Creatine is a dietary supplement that is not magical or mysterious, but it follows the same precautions as every other supplement. There are pros and cons to this supplement. Always check with a doctor or medical professional before taking a supplement is wise. Some will use the supplement and have absolutely no problems with it, but some could die from using it improperly. Just as with any supplement, one should stay within their own comfort zone as well as what is healthiest for them. From personal experience, I can’t use supplements that could have harmful side effects on the heart because I already have problems with my heart.
Creatine has been taken by athletes at all levels of sport to try and help with energy and muscle building. Even though it is a naturally occurring substance, people have taken it in powder or pill form in hopes of enhancing their athletic performances. Some studies have shown it to be beneficial. There have been some negative effects and even some deaths from creatine supplements. The supplements are not recommended for young athletes. While most collegiate and professional athletic organizations have allowed creatine supplements, every athlete should consult with a medical professional before using supplements that could potentially damage their career or health if guidelines are not followed.