Bodybuilding Supplements – What Is Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine Monohydrate is a nutrient that is naturally found in the human body.  It is made from a combination of amino acids and provides energy to you muscles for movements.  Creatine comes from food and supplements.

Many bodybuilders use creatine prior to a workout, because of the increase in energy to the muscles, which in turn increases your strength.  The body converts creatine into energy, which allows you to work harder, faster and more efficiently during your workout, getting more results in a shorter period of time. 

You can get creatine naturally in the foods that you eat, or you can take a supplement that will enhance the replenishment of the creatine in your body.  Creatine is not a miracle drug that has been invented by mad scientists, it naturally occurs in meat and fish.  Some good sources of creatine include cod, tuna and salmon.  It is also in beef and pork. 

While you can get all of the creatine that your body needs naturally by eating a lot of meat products, if you are truly serious about bodybuilding you may want to consider using a supplement.  Eating too much red meat can clog your arteries with fatty deposits and cholesterol. 

Vegetarians have a lower level of creatine, and they especially could benefit from a creatine supplement. 

There has been extensive research on creatine to determine what, if any, side effects this supplement will have on humans.  According to the scientist doing the research, the only know side effect of taking creatine is an increase in body mass.  However, there have been no long term studies of creatine use, so you should follow the instructions on the label. 

The positive effects of creatine include increased energy and ability to lift more.  It will also increase the muscle mass, resulting in a more sculpted physique.  You will have more energy, and the pain caused by lactic acid build up will be reduced.

There is not enough research how creatine supplements affect the heart (after all this is a muscle as well).  As with all supplements, you use them at your own risk, and prior to starting with any supplement, you need to research the effects (both good and bad).