Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that plays an important role in cellular energy homeostasis. 95% of the body's creatine is stored in skeletal muscle, while the remaining 5% is mainly found in the brain, kidneys, liver and testes. Creatine is mainly found in foods of animal origin, such as meat and fish, and is widely used as a functional dietary supplement in food and medicine. About 2/3 of creatine in humans and animals is bound to inorganic phosphate and stored as creatine phosphate, the rest is stored as free creatine.
Creatine Monohydrate, a very common nutritional supplement, is synthesised from three amino acids (glycine, arginine and proline) found in muscle and liver. Creatine Monohydrate is a white crystalline powder, tasteless and odourless, readily soluble in water and other liquids. It is a highly effective energy supplement and is widely used in sports and fitness, as well as having a wide range of pharmaceutical applications.
Creatine monohydrate in sports and fitness applications:
Creatine monohydrate increases the level of creatine phosphate in muscle stores, thereby increasing muscle energy reserves and prolonging muscle endurance and strength. It also promotes the hydration of muscle cells, increases muscle bulk and elasticity, and improves the morphology and appearance of muscles. For this reason, creatine monohydrate is widely used in sports and fitness, especially in strength training and high-intensity sports such as weightlifting, athletics, swimming and ice hockey.
Applications of creatine monohydrate in the pharmaceutical field:
Creatine monohydrate is not only used in sports and fitness, but is also widely used in medicine. It can be used to treat many diseases such as muscle atrophy, muscle weakness, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc. Creatine monohydrate can improve the symptoms and prognosis of diseases by increasing muscle energy reserves and protecting nerve cells. In addition, creatine monohydrate can be used to improve cognitive function and prevent Alzheimer's disease in the elderly.
Creatine monohydrate in the food sector:
Creatine monohydrate can also be used in the food sector as a functional food additive. It can increase the protein content of foods, improve the taste and texture of foods and enhance the stability and shelf life of foods. Creatine monohydrate can be added to food products such as meat, dairy products, beverages and nutritional supplements to increase their nutritional value and functionality.
Creatine monohydrate has a wide range of applications in food products, especially in sports supplements. The following are some common areas of application:
1. Enhancing athletic performance: Creatine monohydrate is widely used as a supplement to enhance athletic performance and improve physical performance. It increases creatine phosphate stores in the muscles and aids in the regeneration of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), thus providing explosive muscle power and fast energy.
2. Enhances muscle growth: Creatine monohydrate has a positive effect on muscle growth by promoting protein synthesis and muscle cell increase. It increases intracellular fluid levels, stimulates protein synthesis and helps muscles recover more quickly after a workout.
3. Delays fatigue: Creatine monohydrate helps muscle cells to remove lactic acid and other fatigue products more effectively, delaying the onset of muscle fatigue. This is very beneficial for high intensity, prolonged exercise and training.
4. Prevent muscle damage: Creatine monohydrate is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and promote recovery and repair.
It is important to note that creatine monohydrate should be used as a supplement in the recommended doses and in accordance with professional advice. In addition, for specific groups of people (e.g. people with kidney disease, women during pregnancy, etc.), it is best to consult a doctor or nutritionist for advice before using creatine monohydrate.
In conclusion, creatine monohydrate is a very important nutritional supplement with a wide range of applications. It can be used in sports and fitness to increase muscle strength and endurance, and improve muscle shape and appearance; in medicine to treat many diseases such as muscular atrophy, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, etc.; and in food as a functional food additive to increase the nutritional value and functionality of food.
