Creatine Monohydrate
is For Real

The first thing to clear up regarding creatine is the misnomer that it is an anabolic steroid, or somehow a relative of steroids. It is not. Sometimes people in the media wrongly associate it with illegal substances, such as steroids and the like. Actually, the supplement is a derivative from meat.

Many studies show that it aids in performing tasks requiring short bursts of speed and power. It works by assisting in the regeneration of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), which allows muscles to perform contractions for longer periods before becoming fatigued.

However, just because it is a natural substance, does not automatically mean that it is safe. Although most healthy people can take it with no problem, it can, in rare cases, have adverse effects, particularly when used in excess.

Remember, too, that supplements are not held to the same standards by the FDA as medications. So you can't always know exactly what's in a supplement, or in what amounts, unless it is authenticated by a reliable, independent lab.

Though it can be taken safely by most healthy people, it also has to be pointed out that researchers still don't know the long-term effects, especially in young people. Adolescents who take creatine often do so without their doctor's advice, which can result in taking more than the recommended dose.

Personal note: I used it for a while several years ago and became somewhat stronger in most exercises. So I have to say that it worked as promised. My muscles also felt "fuller." But because the long-term effects are still unknown, I don't use it now. Also, at my age additional bulk is no longer a priority with me. -LF

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