how does creatine work?

Answer by  technogeek (6640)

Creatine is an amino acid that is naturally produced by the body. Its purpose is to provide energy to the muscles. Taking creatine, either through drink or pill, will give the body, particularly the muscles, extra energy which will allow a person to work out longer without the muscles tiring as quickly.

Answer by  G12345 (1808)

The theory behind creatine is that by taking a supplement you will increase the intracellular amount of creatine in your muscle cells. The cells use creatine as a short term energy store in the event of short burst of anaerobic activity, mainly in the form of creatine phosphate. This more short term energy equals more reps and higher weight.

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

Creatine is a drug and all drugs work the same way. Basically, it will attach itself to a neurotransmitter. The neurotransmitter will transmit the drug and release it on a timely basis.

Answer by  LeheckaG (1826)

2-(methylguanidino) ethanoic acid a.k.a. "creatine" is synthesized from L-arginine, glycine, and L-methionineby, by the liver, kidneys, & pancreas; it chemically delivers energy in vertebrates to the skeletal-muscles, brain, & heart. Creatine + ATP/[(2R,3S,4R,5R)-5-(6-aminopurin-9-yl)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]methyl(hydroxy-phosphonooxyphosphoryl)hydrogen phosphate => Creatine-phosphate/Pcr/Phosphocreatine/PCr/phosphorylated-creatine + ADP/adenosine 5'-(trihydrogen diphosphate) => ATP Creatine-supplements are sometimes used to gain muscle-mass, but they have many negative-side-effects: allergies, asthma, diabetes/hypoglycemia, kidney/liver damage, ...

Answer by  G12345 (1808)

I am not a believer in creatine, but the proposed mechanism is that it increases the amount of creatine in your muscle cells, which use creatine phosphate as short term energy and thus would increase your anaerobic capacity.