Creatine: More Than Just Muscle! 💪🧠

Dive into the science behind creatine, a naturally occurring compound that's a powerhouse for your body! Found in muscle cells and the brain, creatine helps produce ATP, your body's main energy source, especially during intense activities. It acts as a crucial "energy shuttle," replenishing ATP to delay fatigue and sustain high performance.

Originally discovered in 1832, creatine gained mainstream popularity in the 1990s after Olympic athletes attributed their success to it. Today, it's one of the most researched and effective dietary supplements.

Beyond its well-known benefits for muscle growth, strength, and athletic performance:

• Brain Health & Cognition: Research suggests creatine can boost memory and cognitive function, especially in older adults and under stress conditions. It shows promise for conditions like traumatic brain injury (TBI) by reducing neuronal damage and improving symptoms like headaches and fatigue. It's also being investigated for neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's due to its role in cellular energy and neuroprotection

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• Mental Health: Emerging evidence points to creatine's potential in improving mood and helping with depression.

• Glucose Management: Combined with exercise, creatine may help improve blood sugar control in Type 2 Diabetes by enhancing glucose uptake into muscle cells.

• Vascular & Immune Health: Studies show it can improve blood vessel health by enhancing endothelial function and may even boost neutrophil immune responses.

Safety & Usage: Creatine monohydrate is the most studied and effective form, widely considered safe and well-tolerated for most individuals. Common dosing often involves a "loading phase" (e.g., 20g/day for 5-7 days) followed by a "maintenance phase" (3-5g/day) to maximize muscle stores. While generally safe, some reports note transient water retention or, rarely, issues with very high, prolonged doses or when combined with certain other supplements. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it's appropriate for your individual needs and health profile