Creatine Monohydrate Research Paper

I have a friend that is taking creatine monohydrate for the effects of increased muscle endurance while he is lifting at the gym. He claims that the supplement he takes helps him grind out a few more repetitions on heavy weight. He also likes the water retention effect that happens to make him look a tad bigger than he really is. When I found out he was taking this supplement I decided to research it to determine if it was really beneficial to his health. He admitted that he had not really researched the supplement, but instead he just read that the label said it was going to help him lift more weight at one time. According to Medline Plus, creatine monohydrate is naturally made by the body and is mostly used by muscles. We get creatine monohydrate in some of the foods that we eat such as meat products. Performance athletes who want to boost their performance and muscle mass often use creatine monohydrate, but it is also used to treat a variety of diseases. It is used to treat congestive heart failure, depression, bipolar disorder, and …show more content…
Although it is considered safe, it is known to lower blood sugar and raise blood pressure. As a result people that have to monitor their blood sugar and blood pressure levels should use creatine monohydrate cautiously. It is also advised to avoid using creatine monohydrate if a person has impaired kidney function due to the increased stress on them. Although it is considered safe, there is some concern on high doses affecting the kidneys, liver, or heart function, but the connection has not been proven. Creatine monohydrate is known to draw water from the rest of your body into the muscles, cause muscle cramps, and stomach pain from dehydration. As a result, it is important to increase water intake while on the supplement. Also, it is wise to consult a doctor if a person has any known health issues or take