Creatine pills are usually consumed by bodybuilders and athletes who are into extensive muscle building activities. Creatine supplements act as a source of additional energy for them. Read on.
Creatine is a vital component of muscles and is responsible for muscle strength and stamina. People who are into regular muscle building activities supplement their amino acid requirements through creatine pills. Before going for the supplements one should understand the significance of creatine in our body and the necessity of taking these pills externally.
Why Creatine Pills are Necessary
Creatine is synthesized from three amino acids, viz, L-Methionine, L-Glycine and L-Arginine and is stored inside muscles in the form of creatine phosphate, which aids in conversion of Adenosine di-Phosphate (ADP) to Adenosine tri-Phosphate (ATP), the compound responsible for generating energy in cells for performing various activities. If a body is deficient in creatine then lack of energy will hamper the stamina of carrying out the high impact exercises. The need to take the supplements arises when our body fails to produce enough creatine naturally. Usually, these pills are taken in by athletes and body builders who expend tremendous energy on rigorous exercises.
Creatine Pills vs Powder
Creatine products are quite popular in the market, being sold in the form of powders, serums, capsules and pills. Originally it was available in the form of powders but today, capsules have become more popular as they can be consumed easily. The composition of capsules and powders is nearly the same. The key ingredients are hydroxy-methylbutraye (HMB), amino acids, stearic acid, protein supplements, silica, polyvinylpyrrolidone, modified starch and many other compounds that help in muscle building process. The powder can be mixed with sugary drinks or simply with water for drinking.
Powdered form of creatine is considered to be more effective than pills since it gets absorbed quickly in the body. However the dosage of creatine pills or powder should be strictly determined by your doctor or fitness trainer. The recommended dose of creatine pills is approximately 5 gms per day. From the reviews we have found out that adequate dosage adds volume to muscles, enhances synthesis of proteins, builds up lactic acid and provides immense energy to the body. Creatine monohydrate pills are readily available in the market and are popular among body builders. A few good products are:
- C2 Strength – Labrada Nutrition
- CE2 HI-DEF – MRI Performance
- C-Bol – ThermoLife
- CM-750 Creatine Pill – AST
- Pure Creatine Ethyl Ester – Muscle Gauge Nutrition
- Professional Strength Creatine Pills – Six Star Muscle
- NeoVar – Applied Nutriceuticals
Side Effects
The side effects are mostly associated with overconsumption of these pills. Health complications become evident when the levels inside the body exceed the maximum limit. Chances of heart stroke or cardiac arrest increase and a person is vulnerable to losing stamina all of a sudden. Presence of too much creatine shows reverse effects on the body wherein frequent muscle cramps and strains become rampant. Weakness in muscles, reduction in muscle mass and seizures are quite common side effects of creatine overdose. It also reduces blood pressure to a very low value and increases renal stress. This leads to water retention inside the body and further gives rise to different forms of kidney diseases.
Excessive weight gain might also take place if the external supplements are continued for a long duration. The short term side effects include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. We can see that creatine dangers are evident only when you get completely dependent on the pills and fail to follow the instructions given by your doctor. You have to follow certain health guidelines related to your foods and other habits to get the maximum benefits of pills.
Creatine pills should not be consumed unless it’s really required. If you are into regular exercise, then a balanced diet is enough to keep you fit. However, people who take these supplements regularly, should follow the instructions and restrictions imposed by doctors. To be on the safe side, take necessary guidance from your doctor before popping any pills.
