30 Sec Answer: Yes, creatine has been shown to help increase muscle size in combination with a healthy diet and exercise program.
Does Creatine Help Increase Size?
Creatine is an amino acid found naturally in the body that helps produce energy. It’s been used by athletes and bodybuilders for decades as a way to gain muscle mass and improve performance. But does creatine actually help increase size? The answer is yes, but it’s important to understand how it works.
What Is Creatine?
Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid that is naturally produced in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas from three amino acids – arginine, glycine, and methionine. It is stored in the skeletal muscles of animals and humans where it serves as an energy reserve during periods of intense physical activity.
How Does Creatine Work?
When you engage in physical activity, your body needs energy to fuel your muscles. Creatine helps provide this energy by helping your cells store more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the form of energy most often used by your muscles during strenuous activity. In other words, creatine allows your muscles to contract harder and longer than they would without it.
Does Creatine Have Any Side Effects?
Most people do not experience any side effects when taking creatine supplements. However, some people may experience bloating or gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or cramping. Additionally, those with existing kidney conditions should avoid taking large doses of creatine due to potential adverse effects on their health.
What Types Of Results Can I Expect From Taking Creatine?
Studies have shown that taking creatine can help increase muscle mass, strength, and power output during short bursts of high-intensity exercise like sprinting or weight lifting. Additionally, it can also help delay fatigue during workouts so you can push yourself harder for longer periods of time.
How Should I Take Creatine To Maximize Its Benefits?
The best way to take creatine is to start off with a loading phase where you take 20 grams per day for 5-7 days before dropping down to 2-5 grams per day thereafter. This will allow your muscles to become saturated with creatine so you can get the most out of each workout session. Additionally, make sure to drink plenty of water when taking creatine as dehydration can cause side effects such as nausea or dizziness.
How Much Muscle Mass Will I Gain By Taking Creatine?
It’s hard to say exactly how much muscle mass you will gain while taking creatine because everyone responds differently. However, studies have shown that taking 5 grams of creatine daily over 8 weeks can lead to an average increase in lean body mass of 1-2 kilograms depending on training status and other factors like diet and lifestyle choices.
When Should I Take Creatine For Maximum Benefit?
In general, it’s best to take creatine immediately after a workout when your muscles are most receptive to absorbing its nutrients. Additionally, many experts recommend consuming carbohydrates alongside your dose of creatine for increased absorption rates and better results.
Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About Taking Creatine?
Yes! Make sure you don’t exceed 10 grams per day as excessive doses can be harmful to your health and won’t necessarily lead to better results either. Also remember that no matter how much you take; it won’t work if you don’t combine it with a proper diet and exercise regimen designed specifically for increasing size and strength gains.
Conclusion
To sum up: yes, creatine has been shown to help increase muscle size in combination with a healthy diet and exercise program. However, it’s important to understand how it works so you can maximize its benefits while minimizing any potential risks or side effects associated with taking too much or using it improperly.