A Supplement That Really Works?

Yea yea - I know.

I spend alot of real estate on this blog debunking many of the various “super” supplements that hit the marketplace. And I do firmly believe that we can get most of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional substances our bodies need from a well-balanced diet. Especially in our younger years. But as we get older, I do think that selective supplementation can benefit us. Both by supplementing falling levels of certain chemicals in the body due to aging processes, and by neutralizing the destructive results of aging related reactions.

Now new studies indicate that creatine, a substance produced in the body from the amino acids methionine, glycine and arginine, may help improve memory and brain functioning.

Creatine has been used in the muscle building community for years.  And as a muscle strength and muscle recovery enhancer, it really does work.

A natural body building supplement that works?  Wow, time to toss out the steroids.

The key to creatine’s effectiveness is that it is chemically linked to another substance in the body called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP, often called the “universal energy molecule”, is utilized by every cell in our bodies to fuel cellular growth and recovery processes.  ATP also reduces the impact of oxidative stress, a reaction that increases as we age, within the body.

A drop in ATP levels naturally occurs as we age and our cells deteriorate accordingly.  Low ATP levels are also linked to the onset of many diseases.

Preserving high ATP levels in the body is a key component of slowing down the aging process and maintaining high energy levels.

Taking powdered creatine mixed with water or juice supplements the body’s natural supply and will provide more energy to our cells.  More energy equals stronger muscles.  Stronger muscles equal bigger muscles when they are progressively worked in an effective exercise program.  More energy also means that as you break the muscles down in a workout, they are able to recover faster.

So, creatine: get bigger muscles, faster! But this is only if you are regularly working out in a resistance training program - i.e. weights, machines, etc.  A couch potato taking extra creatine probably won’t notice any effects at all.  His cells, especially the ones in his muscles, don’t need the extra energy cause there’s not much for them to do anyway.

But a new study out of Australia suggests that the energy producing effects of creatine can also benefit our brain functions, including memeory and mental clarity.  Kind of makes sense.  If creatine can improve energy levels in all cells, including our muscles and heart, then why wouldn’t improve the cells of the brain?

The results of the study indicate that levels of creatine in the brain directly relate to recognition memory capabilities, mental fatigue levels, and analytical decsion making skills.

So, creatine: get bigger muscles, faster, AND smarter!

And the best part?  Creatine is cheap.  You can find it in powdered form in most any health store for around $20 for a 2-3 month supply.  And don’t get suckered into buying “liquid” creatine.  Your friendly GNC clerk will tell you that liquid creatine reaches the cells faster and is more pure,  but studies have proven that the powdered form (mixed with juice or water) is actually far more effective.

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