Creatine Supplementation and the Magic Energy Molecule (ATP)
Creatine is one of the most popular sports supplements used today, with a wealth of readily available information showing the benefits of creatine supplementation, this has led it to become an essential staple to any athletes/gym user's diet.
Known benefits include increased strength, muscle tone and muscular endurance, all relating to the formation of the magical high energy molecule ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate) in the body.
Is this really magic or simply science. Let's look at how the body produces ATP with the use of creatine supplementation.
In simplest terms the process is as follows: Creatine phosphate reacts with ADP (adenosine di-phosphate) within the body and converts ADP to ATP.
What are these molecules ADP (adenosine di-phosphate) and ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate)?
ADP and ATP are both natural constitutes readily found in the body in high concentrations within the skeletal muscles. ADP is converted to ATP, vice versa ADP is the by-product when ATP is used during movement/exercise. This occurs in a cyclic event.
Both ATP and ADP are made up of adenosine and phosphate. In the case of ADP this is one molecule of adenosine with two molecules of phosphate and in the case of ATP this is one molecule of adenosine together with three molecules of phosphate.
Therefore the difference between the two molecules comes down to one phosphate that is either added or lost by natural chemicals/enzymes in the body
The energy that ATP produces comes from the loss of this one phosphate atom which occurs when muscles contract during exercise and movement.
Creatine supplementation
So naturally by increasing the amount of phosphate in your body through supplementation, you increase the number of phosphate molecules in your blood and muscles readily available for ADP to be turned into ATP. This is what creatine does. Most supplements of creatine are in the form of creatine monohydrate. Once consumed the body converts the creatine monohydrate into the usable creatine phosphate molecule therefore providing the additional phoasphate.
So there is no questioning, from a cellular level creatine does indeed produce its main benefits through the production of ATP.
Hopefully this article questions this notion of ATP being a magical high energy molecule, but in fact it is a molecule that produces its results by a chemical reaction through its loss of phosphate.
Note: This information is intended for educational purposes only.Always consult your physician prior to starting any new supplementation if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking any other medication. Creatine should not be taken by individuals with kidney failure or any other renal disorders. Creatine supplements should be avoided by children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and anyone at risk for renal disorders such as diabetics.
Written by
Pani Sphikas 25/11/13
Bsc hons Human Physiology, MpharmT
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pani_Sphikas
