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Creatine Supplements Essay

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One of the most widely used supplements by athletes is creatine. Creatine phosphate is an important energy source during brief, high-intensity activities and is important in rapid recovery (Creatine: MedlinePlus Supplements and Maughan, Depiesse, & Geyer, 2007). “There is substantial evidence to show that creatine supplementation can increase the amount of creatine and creatine phosphate in the muscles and can improve performance in strength and power events” (Maughan, Depiesse, & Geyer, 2007).
Creatine is used for improving muscles mass, strength, and recovery time (McGuire & Beerman, 2013). Maughan, Greenhaff, & Hespel (2011), mentioned studies that show creatine supplements can enhance power output during short maximal sprints, when repeated sprints are performed with short recovery periods, and it can potentiate the gains in fat-free mass and muscle force and power outputs during resistance training.
Creatine is obtained in our diet from meat, fish, and other animal sources. We typically need 1-2g of creatine a day, however, athletes taking creatine supplements ingest 20-30g/day (McGuire & Beerman, 2013). In the article The Use of Dietary Supplements by Athletes, “the recommended creatine loading regimen consist of an initial loading …show more content…

Some claim that it can cause dehydration, muscle cramps, and impair kidney function. However, most studies suggest it is safe and pose very little short-term risk (McGuire & Beerman, 2013). Creatine intake in healthy adults has found to be safe (Maughan, Depiesse, & Geyer, 2007). In addition, the International Olympic Committee, NCAA, and professional sports allow creatine. However, the NCAA does not give schools funds to supply creatine to the athletes (McGuire & Beerman, 2013, Creatine: MedlinePlus Supplements, and Maughan, Depiesse, & Geyer, 2007). Based on the articles I read, all of them support the use of creatine supplements as long as it is taken

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