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Quest Vitamins LTD,
8 Venture Way,
Aston Science Park,
Birmingham,
B7 4AP.

Tel: 0121 359 0056
Fax: 0121 359 0313
Email: info@questvitamins.co.uk
Registered in England No. 2530437

Creatine

DESCRIPTION

Creatine, a naturally occurring substance, has an important role in the production of energy in humans. It a supplement of choice as a performance enhancer. It is thought that supplemental creatine can build up a reserve of phosphocreatine in the muscles as well as expedite the manufacture by the body of phosphocreatine when it has been used up during athletic performance.

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FUNCTIONS

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SUPPLEMENTAL USES

Building muscularity:
Creatine is used by bodybuilders in the form of creatine monohydrate to:

• Delay the onset of fatigue
• Improve energy for muscular work
• Increase muscular strength (1)
• Enhance muscular recovery
• Improve muscle tone

(2)

Muscular Fatigue:
Conditions involving muscular Fatigue may benefit from creatine supplementation.

Lipid Levels:
Creatine has shown to effectively lower lipid levels.

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SAFETY

Some formulations can lead to gastrointestinal upsets and the long-term safety has not been determined.
As with all supplements taken in high doses, high-quality forms of creatine should be chosen carefully. Even low concentrations of contaminants may be harmful.

Individuals with kidney disease should avoid creatine, especially if undergoing dialysis.

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INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Caffeine appears to block the effect of creatine (3).

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REFERENCES

1. Earnest CP et al: The effect of creatine monohydrate ingestion on anaerobic power indices, muscular strength and body composition. Acta Physiol Scand 1995 Feb; 153(2):207-9.
2. Febbraio MA et al: Effect of creatine supplementation on intramuscular TCr, metabolism and performance during intermittent, supramaximal exercise in humans. Acta Physiol Scand 1995 Dec; 155(4): 387-95.
3. Williams MH, et al. Creatine supplementation and exercise performance: An update. J Am Coll Nutr 17: 216-234, 1998.

• PRINTABLE VERSION
• DESCRIPTION
• FUNCTIONS
• SUPPLEMENTAL USES
• SAFETY
• INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
• REFERENCES