Creatine
Creatine is an organic acid that helps to supply energy to cells and muscles in the body.
Creatine is a naturally occurring chemical compound in our body made up of three amino acids; L-arginine, glycine and L-methionine. It’s transported in the blood for use by muscles and so helps us to produce energy.
Where it's found
Produced naturally in the body - mostly in the kidneys and liver - creatine is transported to skeletal muscle where most of our body&rsquos creatine resides. It can be taken as a supplement or can be found in animal foods such as meats and fish. Game meats are particularly rich such as venison, kangaroo or rabbit. It is also found in high concentrations in herring, salmon and tuna.
How it can benefit you
Aside from benefiting athletes and those keen to gain muscle mass, creatine has also been used to help with a range of health issues. Mainly these include muscle disorders, bone and cartilage disorders, brain disorders and even in diabetes.
Other conditions it can help treat include:
- Arthritis
- Congestive heart failure
- Parkinson's disease
- Muscular dystrophy
- With neuroprotection and depression
Naturopath Mim Beim says:
"We make creatine in the body, it helps to regenerate ATP - the energy currency. As a supplement it helps increase energy available to muscles. Good for body building and endurance."