Creatine: Rapid energy supply, increased lean body mass—multiple nutrients working together to combat sarcopenia.
Release Date:
2022-09-27 16:52
Author:
Network
Creatine, also known as N‑methylguanidineacetic acid, is a naturally occurring nitrogen‑containing organic acid that can also be synthesized in the body from three amino acids: arginine, glycine, and methionine. In humans, approximately 95% of creatine is found in skeletal muscle, with smaller amounts present in the brain and testes. Within the body, creatine exists in two forms: two-thirds is in the form of phosphocreatine, while the remaining one-third is free creatine.
01. Physiological Functions of Creatine
The physiological functions of creatine mainly include the following aspects:
① Its role as an energy substrate. Skeletal muscle derives its energy from the breakdown of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and creatine can be converted into phosphocreatine, which in turn serves to synthesize ATP. Therefore, increasing creatine levels in muscle provides a readily available energy source, enhancing muscular strength.
② Increases lean body mass. Creatine can enhance the rate of muscle protein synthesis, thereby promoting an increase in lean body mass.
③ Role in muscle acid–base balance. During short‑duration, high‑intensity exercise, lactic acid is produced; its accumulation lowers the intramuscular pH, leading to muscle fatigue. When the buffering capacity of muscle cells can no longer counteract these pH changes, creatine phosphate is hydrolyzed by creatine kinase into ATP and creatine, thereby neutralizing the pH and mitigating the damaging effects of harmful metabolites, thus helping to combat fatigue and promote recovery.
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