Creatine is a nonessential amino-acid, which one finds mainly in meat, poultry and fish, at a rate of approximately 5 G per kilo. It is synthesized in the kidneys, the liver and the pancreas.
Commercial creatine is a synthetic derivative resulting from a chemical reaction between sodium sarcosin and cyanamide. It comes in soluble or semi-soluble powder, in tablets, or in liquid form. creatin is regarded as a food supplement.
It is thought that the use of this supplement can contribute to the increase of skeletal muscle and improves the performance in sports and exercise for a wide range of activities. The phosphocreatine is a precursor of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which provides energy to the muscular cells. It also supports the retention of water in the muscles, which increases body weight and muscular volume.
Where did it come from?
It was a French chemist, Michel Chevreul, who discovered creatine in 1832. In 1847, he discovered that it plays a part in the operation of the muscles when he noted that the flesh of the foxes killed with hunting contains ten times more creatin than that of those which are kept in captivity.
Researchers have been interested in the properties of creatine since 1970. During recent years, some associated the exploits of various high level athletes with their creatine consumption. Today, the use of this substance is largely widespread among professional athletes and amateurs alike. In 2004, it was estimated that 4000 tons of creatin is sold per year in the United States.
The International Olympic committee ,like the majority of sports associations authorize the use of creatin. It is completely legal and its employment is not the subject of any scrutiny.
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