Creatine Used in Athletic Training and Medical Research

In 1832, Michel Eugene Chevreul discovered and named creatine. Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid that is found in vertebrates and provides muscle cells with energy. Creatine is also found in invertebrates as well. This organic acid is basically an energy shuttle that prevents cellular dysfunction. In addition to being a main energy source for the muscular system, creatine plays an important role in the nervous system as well. Within the nervous system, it also acts as an energy shuttle as well as aiding in recovery from disease and trauma.Almost all of the creatine found in the human body is stored within the muscles of the body. The main source of creatine comes from eating meat and fish, although it is also found within certain dietary supplements. Those that indulge in vegetarian diets typically have significantly less creatine in their bodies.

Creatine Medial Uses and Studies

Because creatine has been found naturally in both the muscular system and nervous system, there has been much study on using creatine supplementation as a treatment for muscular, neurological, and neuromuscular diseases and ailments such as arthritis, congestive heart failure, Huntington's Disease, and muscular dystrophy among many others. Several studies have lent evidence to creatine's effectiveness on neuromuscular diseases. In one study conducted by Cornell University's M. Flint Beal, creatine was found to be twice as effective as riluzole, the prescription drug commonly used to treat Lou Gehrig's disease.

However, the study of creatine for treating neurological and muscular diseases is still in the infant stages. These studies typically take years to conduct, then years to receive government approval. However, creatine supplementation is commonly used within the athletic world to help both amateur and professional athletes in physical training.

Creatine Supplementation

The basic idea behind creatine supplementation is to take the natural creatine process to the next level by boosting the levels of the organic acid in the body. If the body does not have a creatine deficiency, for training purposes, the supplementation may not be effective at all. In fact, taking a creatine supplement has some serious side effects that should be noted. If a creatine supplementation program is begun, a physician should be involved.

Side Effects of Creatine Supplementation

First and foremost, creatine has been associated with asthma. Other side effects include gastrointestinal problems such as loss of appetite, pain, diarrhea, and even nausea. When taken in excess, or in normal doses in some people, creatine can also cause muscle cramps or breakdown, muscle tears, and muscle pain. Weight gain and increases in body mass may become evident. Additionally, heat tolerance, fever, dehydration, reduced blood volume, and seizures have also been found in people taking a creatine supplement.

In addition to side effects, people that suffer from kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or hypoglycemia should avoid taking a creatine supplement altogether. The supplement can exacerbate symptoms of these diseases. Also, if a person takes creatine for extended periods of time, it could result in increase formaldehyde in the body that could lead to compartment syndrome in the lower leg. This condition elicits leg pain, inflammation, and diminished blood flow which all could lead to emergency surgery.

Sources:

Creatine, Wikipedia
Creatine, Creatine.com
Simply Straightforward Creatine Information, Creatine Information Center