- Creatine is synthesized in the liver from the amino acids arginine and glycine and stored in the major muscles, including cardiac and skeletal tissues.
- Once inside the muscle, creatine is phosphorylated to form Creatine Phosphate (CP), which, as a high energy substrate for ATP, assists in the contraction of the myofibrils (muscle fibers).
- Creatine Phosphate is utilized to maintain higher levels of ATP (energy molecules) during exercise.
- Creatine Phosphate maximizes physical performance and reduces exercise fatigue by absorbing hydrogen ions released by muscles in the form of lactic acid.
- Intense anaerobic exercise, such as weight lifting and sprinting, depletes ATP and greatly increases the demand for creatine.*