Let’s start with what creatine actually is.  Creatine is a compound that is made by our bodies and can also be taken in a dietary supplement form by buying supplements like   On average, a person weighing 160 pounds would have roughly 120 grams of natural creatine in their body.

What does creatine do for you?

When an athlete or bodybuilder is doing an intense activity with quick-bursts, such as lifting weights, their muscles have to contract, requiring a source of energy.  The force of this actual muscle contraction depends on how much ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is stored.  When the ATP is used, it turns into (Adenosine Diphosphate).  What creatine does is that it increases the availablity of ATP.

In simple language, the more ATP in the body means the more fuel your muscles have.  In addition, creatine helps to increase the size of your muscles by volumization.  Volumization is where fluid is pulled into the muscle cells, thus increasing their volume.  Creatine also helps users to gain weight by the method of volumization.

Any reasons not to take creatine?

Only your doctor can make that determination.  However, there have been a few certain side effects reported with creatine.  While they’re the minor, they include upset stomach, diarrhea, muscle cramps, and dehydration.  Drinking water can help minimize these effects.

With normal dosage, however, creatine should pose no long-term health risks for you.