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Creatine is a supplement that is most commonly used by bodybuilders, but is increasingly being looked at by individuals who want to boost their brain function.
This is a nitrogenous organic acid that is found in all vertebrates and humans are certainly no exception. This substance is used for supplying every cell in the human body with energy, particularly working muscle cells as well as brain cells.
It is considered to be a non-essential nutrient since the body is capable of producing some this compound, but for purpose of cognitive enhancement many people have found Creatine Monohydrate supplements to be very effective.
Creatine falls into the category of nootropics known for improving the metabolic function of the brain, leading to better neuron health and improved mental energy.
About 95% of this nutrient supply is stored in our skeletal muscle, but it is also found throughout the body, especially in important organs like the brain and heart. One thing to be aware about is that vegetarians typically have much lower stores of this compound than people who eat meat.
Many athletes find that taking Creatine supplements is necessary due to the increased demand for this nutrient by their muscles. You will sometimes see Creatine used in nootropic stacks by people who want to ensure they are achieving a fully balanced nootropic regimen with a strong focus on neuroprotective or anti-aging benefits for the brain.
Energy
Mental Clarity
Strength- Increases ATP production; boosts energy
- Enhances mental clarity & physical strength
- Combats signs of aging throughout body
Top Creatine Products* ❯Creatine Effects:
Creatine is either absorbed into the bloodstream from food eaten or supplements used or produced within the liver and kidneys. The process of production is carried out by the actions of L-arginine, glycine, and L-methionine which are different amino acids.
After the compound is produced, it is transported throughout the body by means of the bloodstream and an active transport system. If there are any genetic (or other) deficiencies in the Creatine biosynthetic pathways, this can lead to a number of severe neurological defects.
Generally speaking, as tissues have high energy demands, they seen an increase in their Creatine uptake. The phosphagen, or ATP system is also capable of rapidly re-creating ATP (i.e. energy in working muscles) from ADP with the use of another enzyme known as phosphocreatine.
Creatine Benefits:
The primary and most commonly sought benefit of Creatine is an increase in the energy needed for working muscles. This actually helps to increase performance in any type of physical activity, especially weight lifting or other types of strength training.
As the ADP is converted back into ATP this is funneled directly to working muscle cells and tissues. The effect is that it makes us capable of doing more ‘work’ before muscular failure sets in. This leads to a natural tendency for our muscles to grow and become stronger.
Another benefit of this is the ability to train more intensely and for a longer period of time. This can also be beneficial for runners and cyclists and other athletes in addition to strength trainers. It is just as effective and applicable for use by women as men.
Creatine is also considered to be anti-diabetic. When used in combination with exercise this helps to increase the amount of glucose entering into cells. By slowing down the process of glycation and improving insulin sensitivity, Creatine may promote life extension and reduce signs of aging throughout the body. It is also thought to possibly help normalize dysfunctions in skeletal muscle glucose metabolism that is normally associated with type II diabetes.
This supplement also appears to act as a neuroprotectant. With the increased production of ATP extended to the brain, this allows for less damage to occur when exposed to a number of toxins or other stressors. The ATP stores are used to help preserve the integrity of the cell membranes.
Another factor here is that the supplement may even help to modulate and calm down over excitement in the brain since this often leads to toxicity. Creatine is seen as enhancing the metabolic processes in your brain to ensure that cognitive function and cellular maintenance are operating at prime levels.
Creatine Dosage:
The range of typical and suggested doses for Creatine is quite vast and requires a lot of personal consideration. People have used anywhere from 200 mg up to 25 grams of this supplement per day depending on their goals and needs.
Hardcore bodybuilders and athletes will certainly need more than people using Creatine Monohydrate as a nootropic. The most commonly recommended range seems to be between 2 and 5 grams per day.
This should be consumed in powder form before and after workouts or in the morning and afternoon if you are using it as a cognitive enhancers. It may be taken all at once or split into multiple administrations throughout the day.
A loading phase may also be required with this supplement. This means saturating your muscles for the first 5 to 7 days by taking around 20 grams (5 gram servings up to four times a day). After this period, go back down to 2-5 grams per day.
Creatine Side Effects:
Creatine is considered to be generally safe and very well-tolerated. However, it should not be used by anyone under the age of 18 (and really 25 is better since the bones are still growing up to this point).
However, there are a few anecdotal reports of side effects. It should be noted that these are not confirmed, but may include kidney damage, heart problems, muscle cramps, dehydration, and diarrhea (along with other stomach issues).
Creatine Review:
Creatine is a very powerful and effective supplement for those engaged in weight training and other forms of demanding exercise. If you are a vegetarian or do not eat very much meat, then this could be a highly positive component of your nootropic regimen.
Many other individuals say that using Creatine daily helps them achieve greater levels of mental clarity and focus. This supplement is known to improve the energy supply to your brain cells and it optimizes the metabolic production of ATP in your neurons. Not only does this have benefits for mental performance, but it also can improve the underlying health of your neurons.
While Creatine may not be a nootropic that will provide really noticeable effects on its own, it is definitely one ingredient to consider as part of a broader nootropic stack.
Article last updated on: June 22nd, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
Cheap and effective. 3g daily is plenty.