Chemistry
Keeps Us Healthy
Creatine
Monohydrate
In the 1830's, creatine was discovered as a component
of meat. In 1842, scientists learned that wild game has a much higher level
of creatine in skeletal muscles than farm-raised animals. It was concluded
that creatine levels are influenced by exercise. Actually, creatine levels
are influenced by diet.
Creatine is a naturally occurring guanidine-derived
compound synthesized from amino acids arginine, glycine, and methionine.
More than ninety-five percent of creatine in humans is found in the skeletal
muscles. In muscles, creatine functions to re-phosphate ADP (adenosine
diphosphate), recreating ATP and allowing for more muscle contration. Creatine
has been found to aid in strengh training and athletic activities requiring
large bursts of power in relatively short periods of time.
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Creatine is not simply a dietary supplement for athletic
enhancement. Conclusive research has shown that this compound can also
boost memory and intelligence. Creatine has a positive influence on brain
function. Tests found that memory and IQ both increased when subjects were
taking creatine.
Another interesting neural effect of creatine is
its apparent ability to assist in brain and spinal cord recovery. Continuing
tests are showing that creatine helps in the healing process of cortical
damage through maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis. Other studies
involving professional athletes have found that those who supplement with
creatine have lower instances of concussion. Although the long term side
effects of creatine supplementation are not known, it seems to be a promising
compound for more than athletic uses.
Page by: John
Bradley Hyman
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