Creatine is one of the most popular and widely used supplements on the market today. It’s been used by bodybuilders, athletes, gym-goers, and everyday people alike for building muscle, strength, and endurance. But what exactly is creatine, and how does it work? Read on to find out why creatine should become part of your supplement stack!

What Is Creatine?

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found mainly in animal products such as red meat, poultry, and fish. It's also made in small amounts in our bodies from amino acids. Our bodies store creatine as phosphocreatine which is then used as an energy source during exercise. Supplementing with additional creatine helps increase our stores of phosphocreatine so that we can power through our workouts for longer periods of time without fatigue. 

Benefits of Creatine 

When it comes to supplementation, there are many benefits associated with taking creatine. One benefit is improved performance during high-intensity activities like weight training or sprinting. Studies have shown that those who take creatine have increased their gains in lean body mass when compared to those who don’t supplement with it. Additionally, supplementing with creatine has also been linked to improved recovery time between sets and workouts which can help you squeeze every bit out of your workouts! 

On top of enhancing physical performance and aiding muscle growth, some studies have suggested that taking creatine may also be beneficial for cognitive performance as well. In particular, one study found that taking creatine before completing memory tasks resulted in better overall performance than those who didn’t take the supplement beforehand. This could potentially make it useful for students or anyone looking for a mental edge in their profession or hobby projects! 

Dosage & Side Effects 

When it comes to dosage recommendation for creatine supplementation generally fall between 3-5g per day depending on your goals and diet habits as well as bodyweight. However if you are just starting out 5g seems to be the sweet spot when looking at safety vs effectiveness. As far as side effects go they tend to be mild if any at all with the most common being stomach discomfort but this can generally be managed by taking smaller doses spread throughout the day rather than all at once. Serious side effects are rare but it's always best to check with your doctor prior to adding any new supplements into your routine.  

In conclusion, creatine has many potential benefits that could help you maximize your results at the gym whether you’re looking to build more muscle or enhance focus while studying. Just makes sure you ask your doctor first before using it!