Creatine Use: Hype or Help

Collegiate athletes often ask their athletic trainers for their opinion regarding the use of creatine for muscle gains. While we do see a correlation between the use of creatine and muscle development, we also see a strong relationship to its use and muscle cramping. The trends seen also raise concern for muscle strains associated with creatine use, particularly during the "loading phase." Over the years, the need for a loading phase has largely been disspelled as a way to get the consumer to buy more product. With the use of creatine, we now know that more is not better.

The following news story came from research that was done by Assistant Professor Mike Powers of the University of Florida while studying at the University of Virginia.

UF Researcher Unlocks Secrets of Popular Supplement Creatine
March 23, 2000

GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- A new study by a University of Florida professor finally helps explain some of the side effects associated with the popular muscle enhancer creatine.

Muscle cramping, heat illness and even kidney problems have long been rumored to be associated with taking the supplement, but previous studies couldn't explain these problems.

Now, in a study funded by one of the largest grants ever awarded by the National Athletic Trainers Association Research and Education Foundation, Michael Powers, an assistant professor in UF's department of exercise and sport sciences, shows for the first time that creatine increases both the body's overall water content and its ratio between intracellular and extracellular water.

The finding is important because it explains how the body's natural balance is thrown off by creatine consumption....

To continue with this story, click on the website below: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/03/000322150513.htm

Reference: Science Daily, Writer- Kristin Harmel, March 2000