creatine

(noun)

Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid that occurs naturally in vertebrates and helps to supply energy to all cells in the body, primarily muscle. This is achieved by increasing the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Related Terms

Examples of creatine in the following topics:

  • Creatine Supplementation

    • Creatine supplements may increase anaerobic exercise performance by augmenting phosphocreatine levels and ATP availability.
    • Supplements of creatine can reduce or mitigate these negative effects of exercise, primarily by increasing the availability of phosphocreatine to muscles.
    • Studies show that creatine supplementation has less positive effects for aerobic exercise, particularly endurance running.
    • Creatine supplementation can also cause an increase in muscle mass (muscle hypertrophy).
    • The NCAA has banned the provision of supplements to players by coaches; however, players are allowed to independently obtain creatine supplements.

  • Muscle Metabolism

    • Phosphocreatine, also known as creatine phosphate, can rapidly donate a phosphate group to ADP to form ATP and creatine under anaerobic conditions.
    • The reaction of phosphocreatine + ADP to ATP + creatine is reversible.