Creatine benefits for health, performance, and the brain

Creatine is one of the most popular supplements used among active people for its potential to build muscle and enhance workout performance. It is also becoming widely used for its brain boosting and longevity benefits. But what does creatine do, and is it really worth the hype?

The human body makes creatine from three amino acids or protein-building blocks - L-arginine, glycine, and L-methionine. It is primarily stored in our muscles (95%), while the remaining 5% is in the heart, brain, and testes.^[1]

About half of our daily creatine needs come from what the body makes, and the other half comes from dietary sources. The best sources of creatine come from foods like red meat and fish or dietary supplements. Plant foods do not contain creatine, so vegetarians and vegans may need to turn to supplements to ensure they are getting enough.

Most of our stored creatine is in the form of phosphocreatine, which helps to generate cellular energy - ATP - by donating its phosphate group. Your body can then use this energy to help out in several bodily.

Creatine benefits

Several benefits are associated with taking creatine supplements, particularly creatine monohydrate, for muscle, brain, and mitochondrial health. Many studies show taking creatine in doses of 3 - 5 grams daily is best to achieve the health benefits, while others suggest following a loading protocol.

Muscle

Studies have shown that taking creatine alongside weightlifting exercises and adequate dietary protein can enhance muscle growth. When you first start using creatine, you may experience some water retention, but using it regularly can boost energy and lead to muscle growth in time.^[2]

Creatine is also linked to increased lean body mass and muscle function when done with resistance training, which may be associated with improved physical performance.^[3]

Brain

A 2022 study showed that taking 20 grams of creatine monohydrate daily for one week improved short- and long-term memory compared to those who took the placebo. However, this study used 20 grams which is much higher than the typical dose of 3-5 grams.^[4]

Other studies have shown similar results with does at lower levels, but more research is needed to fully understand creatine’s role in brain health.^[5]

Mitochondrial health

Many are curious about using creatine for longevity due to its link to mitochondrial health.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a central hallmark of aging. Creatine can potentially protect the mitochondria and offer positive benefits on cell metabolism; however, most of the findings are from lab or animal studies. Therefore, more human clinical trials are needed into the effects of creatine on mitochondrial function.^[6]

Side effects of creatine

When taken in recommended doses, creatine side effects are minimal. Creatine in high doses, however, can result in:

• Stomach cramping
• Bloat
• Fluid retention
• Weight gain
• Liver and kidney damage

Creatine vs. Urolithin A

Creatine's benefits are significant, and you may be wondering how it compares to other supplements that support muscle health, such as Urolithin A, found in Mitopure®.

While both have been tested for their role in mitochondrial health, and muscle health, the way they work is quite different.

Only Urolithin A directly targets mitochondrial decline by triggering a crucial recycling pathway called mitophagy. Clinical studies have shown that taking Mitopure^[7] daily improves muscle health and endurance.[8]

Mitopure may also help with muscle recovery after a hard workout by helping to reduce the natural inflammatory response accompanying exercise.

If you’re looking to support your muscle health and directly target the key pathways of aging, Mitopure® is an excellent choice.

References