The short answer to this question is arguably no. Not everyone stands to benefit in a meaningful way by taking a daily creatine supplement.
However, it is undoubtedly the case that certain groups of people will benefit from supplementing it every day.
What is Creatine?
This substance is found naturally in muscle cells. It is used by the body to produce a burst of energy when a person is engaging in a high-intensity exercise or lifting a heavy weight.
The amount of creatine that you have stored in your body will be influenced by a number of factors, such as:
- The amount of seafood and red meat you eat
- The intensity and regularity of your exercise regime
- How much muscle mass you have
- Your hormone levels
Most of the creatine that your body stores is in the muscles, with a very small amount also being present in the liver, kidneys, and the brain.
What Are The Benefits?
The reported benefits of taking creatine as a supplement include:
- Increased muscle mass
- Increased strength
- Improved memory
- Enhanced exercise performance
- Possible protection from neurological disease
One of the ways in which the body uses your creatine stores is to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy carrying molecule that cells use. When the body is able to produce more ATP as you need it, you can enhance your performance during certain activities.
Research has shown that taking creatine consistently can be beneficial for both short-term and long-term muscle gain.
Who Should Take Creatine Supplements?
Athletes and bodybuilders are the most common users of creatine supplements.
As the main dietary source of this substance is seafood and red meat, people who do not consume these foods often can benefit from supplementing it.
Is it Safe?
There is no solid research to suggest that creatine is harmful in any way. Studies into this substance continue to prove that is is safe for use and effective in providing the aforementioned benefits.
The International Society of Sports Nutrition has reported that it is completely safe for use, and also that it is one of the most advantageous supplements for sportspeople to take.
Should We All Be Taking Daily Creatine Supplements?
If you are someone who wants to improve their athletic performance, then including a creatine supplement in your daily routine could be helpful.
Additionally, if you are someone who follows a vegetarian or vegan diet, but do not engage in regular high-intensity exercise, then this could still be a good supplement for you to include.
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