Question

The performance difference between highly trained athletes is sometimes so small that slight improvements in athletic performance may help determine the winner in a competition. In order to achieve an extra “edge,” athletes are regularly looking for nutrition supplements that might improve athletic performance. One of the more popular nutrition supplements or ergogenic (Gr., “work producing”) aids is creatine. Increase in creatine sales is not surprising in that it is not a banned substance, and many athletes have the impression that it improves athletic performance. Given the prevalence of its use, understanding the efficacy and the side effects of creatine supplementation is important.

Based on your new found knowledge of ergogenic aids, discuss the pros and cons of creatine use in two separate sporting activities

url for research: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/creatine.htm

Answer 1

Creatine is believed to be a naturally occurring compound that can be found inside the body. It is created from many amino acids and a single phosphate molecule. It can also be stored in the skeletal muscles and be used as energy throughout exercise.

Synthetic creatine is now being used as a nutritional supplement to improve performance in athletes. It also helps increase their ability for rigorous exercises, like resistance training and sprinting. Muscle growth is also promoted with the use of creatine.

The pros are;

Creatine is scientifically proven and tested to improve the performance of athletes during intense workouts and activities. It further allows one to work harder and better with decreased regeneration time of the ATP. ATP is considered a precursor for the energy in most muscles.

2. Performance is increased between 5 and 10 percent with use of creatine.

3. Creatine is considered very safe and up to three grams can be consumed on a daily basis without adverse effects.

4. When the directions are followed, it is expected to be safe.

5. Creatine products are very inexpensive

The Cons of Creatine

Here are the primary issues associated in the use of creatine:

1. Creatine causes water retention, which may also cause weight gain. It can also cause you to feel bloated and sluggish. This can be very bad for weight regulated sports like wrestling.

2. Cells in the body cannot absorb water as well when using creatine. This may result in dehydration which can be dangerous and have negative side effects on its own.

3. Once the supplemental creatine is metabolized inside the body, the compounds called as metabolites may be filtered on the kidneys and excreted in the urine. With an increase number of metabolites, they may put excess stress in the bladder and kidney that potentially increase risk of kidney stones and kidney damage.