Question

2a. Creatine supplements are touted as a way to increase energy to muscle and therefore be stronger and faster.Based on what you know about creatine, would creatine be more effective in helping enhance performance for a sprinter or for a marathon runner? Why?

b. Shortly after beginning to take creatine, users’ muscles increase in mass, but this is simply due to increased water in the muscle. Why would taking creatine supplements lead to more water in muscles? (Hint: Creatine is a solute.)

Answer 1

2a. Creatine is a naturally occuring supplement that plays a key role in providing more energy during intense activities. Creatine is converted to phosphocreatine in the body which acts as a form of stored energy in the body used by the muscles whenever needed. Creatine intake results in increased blood flow, increased heart rate which as a result makes people more energetic. Creatine works in short bursts of time i.e. for about 30 secs. it gives the sprinter or marathon runner more power to run with more speed or for longer time, thus resists fatigue. As a result of this hard work, the muscles become stronger.

2b. Creatine increases hydration in cells. As a result of which, water is retained in the muscles and muscles get a fuller appearance and thus increases in mass which is short-term.