Creatine has been consistently proven to enhance muscle size, boost performance, and even improve cognitive function. Over 50% of professional power athletes, including powerlifters, boxers, and track and field athletes, reportedly use creatine for these benefits. Its popularity is also rising among high school athletes and lifters. But what exactly does creatine do to your body, and what can you expect during the first 30 days of supplementation with Creatine Gummies?
What Does Creatine Do to Your Body?
Creatine is a naturally occurring substance that our bodies use as an indirect energy source during high-intensity activities. Most of our creatine is stored in our muscles, with about 5% in the brain. Supplementing with creatine can increase muscle creatine levels by about 30%, leading to enhanced strength and muscle mass over time. However, not everyone will experience the same benefits. Approximately 20-30% of individuals naturally have fully saturated muscle creatine levels and may see little to no benefit from supplementation.
The First 30 Days of Creatine Supplementation
Week 1: Loading Phase vs. Baseline Dose
There are two main methods to start taking creatine: the loading phase and the baseline dose. The loading phase involves taking a higher dose of creatine daily for a week to saturate the muscles quickly, followed by a maintenance dose. This method can lead to muscle saturation within seven days. The baseline dose method involves taking a regular dose daily, gradually saturating the muscles over two to three weeks.
Monitoring Creatinine Levels
Creatine may slightly raise creatinine levels, but this is typically not a concern for healthy individuals. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide peace of mind.
Benefits Post-Saturation
Once your muscles are fully saturated with creatine, you can expect several benefits:
- Increased Strength: Studies show an average strength boost of 8% and a 14% increase in reps performed among trained lifters. Untrained individuals may see even greater improvements.
- Faster Recovery: A survey of NCAA athletes found that 81% reported faster recovery from training after taking creatine.
- Enhanced Brain Function: Creatine supplementation can increase brain creatine levels by up to 10%, potentially improving short-term memory and intelligence, especially under stress.
1. Ethier, J. 2022. What Happens To Your Body After Taking Creatine For 30 Days? Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mmpvk3VLkc.