Supplements

[Rivard]

Any knowleadgable people know anything about Creatine or other supplements ?

Thank you.

 

[goat37]

Yea, what all would you like to know?

What is creatine monohydrate and what does it do? The main source of energy for your muscles is ATP, and it is stored in tissue cells and is used for immediate work, like picking up an object or running 100 yards. Your muscles have roughly 4 seconds worth of stored ATP. Once this is used, creatine phosphate combines with the used ATP (which is ADP) to create more useable ATP. This gives you roughly 25-30 seconds of useable energy after the 4 seconds.

Supplementing with creatine equals more readily available sources of creatine for ADP / ATP conversion. This means you can usually lift longer and harder and usually use more weight.

A side effect is water retention, and your muscles act like a sponge with creatine and water is taken in-between them—giving you a bigger look. (credit: ryan ruff)


I also take amino acids and glutamine (which is also an amino acid, but comes in a seperate pill for me) all of which help repair your muscles after workouts, and aid in protein synthesis etc...


There are many other supplements out there... what are some specifics you would like to know?

 

[TheTruthinFiction]

Creatine, from my experience it is hit or miss. I have had a few friends who, "responded" well to creatine but it should be added that until more tests are provided on long-term effects of creatine on the liver and kidneys, it should be taken in moderation. I was taking Cell-Tech a few years ago, 10 grams of creatine per serving and was taking it twice a day. I have had digestion problems since then. Goat mentioned glutamine and I would agree, it is proven safe as it is used with elderly people in nursing homes that are losing the use of their muscles. A good Meal Replacement Powder usually will contain Glutamine or you can also buy it in a powder form and mix it with your protein shakes. Most of the supplements are hit or miss, not just creatine. The only one besides your basic protein powder or MRP that I have had luck with was, Ultimate Orange but it turns out it was a form of speed, not even for sure if you can still buy it but I failed a drug test in college football because of it. One last thing, if you go to GNC or somewhere similar, remember, first and foremost they are there to sell. I see many people carrying around GNC bags but have no clue as to what the supplement they just bought is for.

 

[Rivard]

Yea, what all would you like to know?

What is creatine monohydrate and what does it do? The main source of energy for your muscles is ATP, and it is stored in tissue cells and is used for immediate work, like picking up an object or running 100 yards. Your muscles have roughly 4 seconds worth of stored ATP. Once this is used, creatine phosphate combines with the used ATP (which is ADP) to create more useable ATP. This gives you roughly 25-30 seconds of useable energy after the 4 seconds.

Supplementing with creatine equals more readily available sources of creatine for ADP / ATP conversion. This means you can usually lift longer and harder and usually use more weight.

A side effect is water retention, and your muscles act like a sponge with creatine and water is taken in-between them—giving you a bigger look. (credit: ryan ruff)


I also take amino acids and glutamine (which is also an amino acid, but comes in a seperate pill for me) all of which help repair your muscles after workouts, and aid in protein synthesis etc...


There are many other supplements out there... what are some specifics you would like to know?

Thank you. Any other side effects beside water retention.

And you take amino acids and glutamine and creatine ?

Where would be the best place to buy these products ?

Thanks.

 

[goat37]

Thank you. Any other side effects beside water retention.

And you take amino acids and glutamine and creatine ?

Where would be the best place to buy these products ?

Thanks.

I usually either buy my products from either GNC or Vitamin World, depending on who has what on sale, or when my membership cards will get me a few extra dollars off... They can be found usually at any health food stores, you/may/ be able to find them at wal-mart, but I haven't looked there so I can't be sure.

As far as any other side effects to creatine... if taken in excess amounts you can do more damage to your muscles than good, by tearing them/over stressing them etc...
If taken with recommended dosages (5 mg in an after workout shake is all i need), i haven't heard of any other side effects other than water retention and a bloated feeling. If you take too much though, it could cause some internal problems I am sure.