Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine monohydrate is a supplement that has gathered a lot of fame in the last two years given its role in augmenting and enhancing human performance, especially for athletic pursuits. Creatine is a compound synthesized by the liver and skeletal muscle to improve and act as the primary energy source for skeletal muscle function. Muscle strength, endurance, and performance are directly linked to the amount of creatine that can be stored as energetic fuel by the muscle tissue. It is no surprise, therefore, that supplementation with creatine monohydrate can dramatically improve creatine stores within the muscle tissue and dramatically enhance physical strength in athletic pursuits, and competitive sports in general. This seems to be most effective for sports that require intense bursts of physical effort, such as wrestling, weight lifting, sprinting, etc. It seems to be less useful for endurance pursuits, such as marathon running.

Creatine monohydrate seems to be helpful for enhancing muscular function in other general situations. For example, those who have a diagnosis of congestive heart failure are noted to improve with creatine monohydrate, primarily because the heart is a specific type of muscle and requires creatine to drive its own energy output. In addition, various musculoskeletal disorders, such as muscular dystrophy and so forth, will also dramatically improve with creatine supplementation.

In general, I have seen creatine to be helpful for more benign expressions of musculoskeletal dysfunction, such as general, declined stability or physiologic inefficiency with normal human aging and enhancement of physical strength, improvement in balance and physical stability in the aging population. Younger children, who are at the lower end of their growth curves and suffer from muscle weakness and other problems, also tend to respond quite favorably to the inclusion of creatine in its supplemental form.

Often, specific higher doses are needed initially to load the body's reserves. After which, a maintenance program can be continued. Your specific doses suggested will be noted on your treatment protocol.

If you would like further information on creatine monohydrate, I would suggest you read Dr. Ray Sahalian's easy to read booklet on creatine monohydrate. It is available at most health food stores.

Dale Guyer, M.D.