Creatine

Creatine is a nitrogen-containing compound made from amino acids that helps supply energy to cells, especially muscle cells. The body synthesizes it and also obtains it from food.

Phosphocreatine: A phosphorylated form of creatine that stores high-energy phosphate groups in cells. It buffers energy by donating phosphate to regenerate ATP during sudden demand.
Creatine supplementation: The use of dietary creatine products to increase creatine stores in the body. Supplementation raises muscle creatine and is the most common practical use of creatine.
Glycine: The simplest amino acid, used in protein synthesis and many metabolic pathways. Glycine contributes atoms to the pathway that synthesizes creatine.
Beta-alanine: A nonessential amino acid used to raise muscle carnosine concentrations. Unlike creatine’s phosphate buffering, beta-alanine may improve intracellular acid buffering.
Creatine kinase: An enzyme that transfers phosphate between creatine and adenosine diphosphate or ATP. It catalyzes the reversible reaction linking creatine to cellular energy supply.
Resistance training: Exercise that makes muscles work against external resistance to improve strength or size. Creatine can support repeated high-intensity efforts during this type of training.
Arginine: An amino acid involved in protein synthesis and the production of nitric oxide and other compounds. Arginine donates a group in the first step of creatine synthesis.
Carnosine: A dipeptide abundant in muscle that can buffer acidity during intense exercise. It buffers acidity rather than regenerating ATP through phosphate transfer.
Adenosine triphosphate: A nucleotide that serves as the principal immediate energy carrier in cells. Creatine supports the rapid regeneration of this molecule when energy demand rises.
Sarcopenia: The age-associated loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. Creatine combined with resistance exercise is investigated as a way to improve muscle outcomes.

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