17/11/2021
Do you need creatine for training? How to take it right? We understand the properties of the additive
"He really gives the effect that promises. Science has proven.
Food additives tightly entered the diet of athletes as a professional level and amateur. One of these additives, creatine, promises us an invisible increase in strength, muscle mass and endurance in training. Let's figure it out if it is, and that science speaks about properties, benefits and harm from its use.
What is creatine
Creatine is an organic compound (nitrogen-containing carboxylic acid), which is found in the vertebral body. It participates in the energy metabolism of cells, primarily in the muscles and brain tissues. Also, some studies have shown that this substance can supply the brain of energy, showing a neuroprotective (protective) effect against encephalopathy (dystrophic change in brain tissues, followed by a violation of its operation).
In natural products, creatine is contained in fish and red meat. In addition, it is produced in the form of food additives. It is mainly used by athletes in order to improve performance in strength training, due to which the muscle mass increases. Also designed to help elderly people in the fight against muscle exhaustion.
This nutritional supplement is not doping and permitted by the International Olympic Committee and the World Anti-Doping Agency.
What gives creatine athletes
The human body actually produces its own creatine (the kidney and the liver are responsible for it) after eating meat. The muscles convert creatin into creatine phosphate (high-energy compound), which during the reaction is converted to adenosine trifosphate (ATP, actually energy) and is used by the body for explosive exercises (for example, sprint acceleration or rods).
Important moment: the body can accumulate creatine, which is why the corresponding diet (red meat and fish) or the addition of additives allow you to perform more power exercises and progress in classes.
Most of the creatine in the human body is in skeletal muscles (95%), the remaining 5% are distributed in the blood, brain and other tissues. The average amount of creatine stored in the body is approximately 120 mmol / kg of dry muscle mass. However, by receiving additives, this value can be increased to 160, that is, by a third.
The benefits of raising the level of creatine:
an increase in the number of repetitions in power exercises;
an increase in the number of sprint accelerations in athletics (important indicator in the training of runners for short distances);
improving athletic indicators (energy level rises, productivity increases, improve adaptation to training loads);
reduction of losses of muscle mass after operations;
Improving the function of the heart when performing exercises in people with coronary heart disease;
Reducing the risk of heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels.
The fact that creatine is synthesized in our body does not mean that it can be uncontrolled in the form of additives - observe the dosage. It is also necessary to take into account that there is a large number of producers of the BAA in the modern market, so before buying and starting reception, you will definitely consult with a specialist or an experienced trainer.
Possible side effects of creatine include:
increase weight;
alarm;
labored breathing;
fatigue;
heat;
headache;
kidney problems;
nausea, vomiting;
rash;
stomach upset.
How to take creatine
For a set of muscle mass
Back in 1985, an article on the assessment of different dosages was published in the journal of applied physiology when taking creatine. As a result of the analysis of the results obtained, the following food additive use was proposed for a set of muscle mass (this technique is still used):
The loading phase: 4 times a day of 5 grams for 6 days. Allows you to increase creatine stocks in the body by 20%.
Supporting phase: In the future, it is enough to take 2-3 grams per day to maintain the reached level of stocks. Later releasesPassed that this dosage can be increased to 3-5 grams.
Alternatively, a dosage calculation formula was proposed based on the athlet weight:
0.3 grams of creatine per 1 kg body weight per day, divided into 4 equal portions
The study showed that the reception of a lower dose (3 grams per day) for 28 days increased the overall stock of creatine in muscles on the same 20% as if quickly downloaded for 6 days. However, the 28-day phase does not allow to implement ergogenic (increasing performance) the advantages of creatine as long as the muscle tissue is completely saturated. That is, you can fully train on the selected program only when the necessary level of stocks will be reached at the end of the month.
Another study showed that additional consumption of carbohydrates or carbohydrates and proteins together with creatine helped longer maintain reserves in tissues.
After stopping the intake of creatine, its reserves in the muscles are returned to the initial level after 4-6 weeks. The achieved power and volumetric indicators (except for excess water in the tissues) are saved.
For dryshka
Due to the fact that the intake of creatine leads to the accumulation of excess water in the muscles and an increase in body weight, it is impractical in the phase of drying. Also during this period it is worth limiting the reception of rapid carbohydrates for the same reason.
With exercises on the development of endurance
In sports for the endurance of creatine, there will be no advantage, moreover, the increase in body weight will negatively affect the economy of the athlete. The only type of cyclic disciplines (running, cycling, swimming), for which the intake of creatine will be appropriate, is a sprint, since there are short load intervals with high intensity.
How to take creatine with other additives
With caffeine
Despite the fact that excessive coffee consumption (2-3 cups per day) and caffene-containing drinks (250-300 mg of caffeine) leads to polyuria (increased urine formation and the corresponding water loss by the body), the results published in 2017 in the force studies journal and a set of form, did not show the reduction of power indicators in different groups of tests tested creatine. Based on this, the reception of caffeine (in the form of coffee or food additives) should not affect the effect of intake creatine, both in the process and after the loading phase is completed.
With carbohydrates and heiners
Studies show that the reception of carbohydrates together with creatine during the loading phase can improve the absorption of the food additive with muscles. However, this requires a significant amount of carbohydrates - approximately 100 grams per serving of creatine. Accordingly, you can use both clean carbohydrates and heiners. Be sure to consider increasing calorics with such a combination of components.
With protein
In a study published in 2000 in the journal of applied physiology, it was proved that the joint taking of protein (50 grams) and a little less carbohydrates (47 grams) also improved the absorption of creatine in the load phase. But, as in the case of pure carbohydrates, do not forget to calculate the general calorie content of the diet.
With BCAA complexes
Various studies have shown that the mixing of the Amino acids of BCAA and Creatine does not adversely affect the body. Almost all preparation additives combine these two components (amino acid and carboxylic acid).
However, many professional athletes and personal coaches recommend independently controlling the ratio of additives instead of using ready-made complexes in which carbohydrates and caffeine are contained.
How to choose creatine
There are many forms of sports nutrition in which it is easy to get confused. Experts and consultants Men's Health pay attention to the following key points:
Always buy Creatine Monohydrate. ""Most studies show that the monohydrate is the most secure and effective form of additive,"" says Andrew Jagim, director of research in sports medicine in Mayo Clinic Health System. Other forms (ethyl ether, hydrochloride, magnesium chelate) are more expensive and do not have the same evidence base.
Prefer the powders instead of tablets. ""Creatine is unstable in a liquid solution,"" explains Dr. Jagim. ""Therefore, you need to mix the mixture well and quickly use.""
Look at the sale micronized version (small crystal powder). No matter how much you have changed the mixture, creatine is so easily dissolved in the shaker. Mike Russa, Men's Health Power Advisor, notes: ""This is the same additive, but split into small particles. Such powder is better dissolved in water. ""
Do not overpay for trace elements. In some embodiments, food additives may be contained sodium, magnesium and other electrolytes. According to Dr. Roll, they do not strengthen the effect of creatine: ""If you need electrolytes to maintain performance during training, simply mix the monohydrate powder with isotonic.""
Top Creatine Manufacturers
The market has a large selection of manufacturers of additives, so before buying consult with a specialist or personal trainer. According to the ranking of the site Bodybuilding.com (according to customer estimates), the top list looks like this:
RSP Nutrition - Creatine Monohydrate. The product from RSP is made of micronized monohydrate; It is optimized for better assimilation by the body, compared with competitors accumulates less water in the muscles. One of the best creatins for consumption before and after training.
Evlution Nutrition - Creatine 5000. According to the manufacturer's application supports the growth of muscle mass, improves performance, improves the power indicators, supports the production of adenosine trifhosphate (ATP).
Muscletech - Platinum Creatine. Pure monohydrate in micronized form. Presented in the dosage of 5 grams, which, with a constant reception, the muscles will saturate during the month and will contribute to an increase in force, productivity and muscle volume. Muscletech is a popular brand that has trusted by many professional athletes.
Kaged Muscle - C-HCl Creatine. The company has developed and patented its own form of creatine hydrochloride with better solubility in water.
Bodybuilding.com Signature - Signature Creatine Monohydrate. Sports product of own production. Dosages of 5 grams of a pure monohydrate shredded to micronized powder for maximum absorption and maintenance of muscle strength and performance during training.
The use of creatine according to research does not carry dangerous side effects. Also, the additive is not doping and is not prohibited by world and national authorities. The recipe and the order of admission are studied by decades, so when dosage, you will get a useful effect. Nevertheless, we recommend in advance to consult with a specialist to avoid individual intolerance to components and overdose.
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