Creatine

ABOUT CREATINE Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in your body’s muscles and brain. As with most of our naturally occurring elements, the production decreases as we age (think collagen), so we must take proactive measures to add what our body needs to continue to thrive and feel good in our bodies. HOW DOES IT WORK? Creatine is an amino acid that helps create ATP (an energy source for our bodies); it helps deliver energy to our mitochondria (powerhouses of our cells), positively impacting lean muscle strength and brain cognition.   WHY DO YOU NEED CREATINE? GENDER DIFFERENCES ✔ Creatine characteristics vary between males and females. ✔ Females have 70-80% lower endogenous creatine stores than males. ✔ The menstrual cycle may influence creatine homeostasis (equilibrium/stability) due to the cyclical nature of sex hormone production. ✔ Age-related decreases in estrogen in perimenopause and menopause contribute to loss of bone and muscle mass (sarcopenia)  as well as strength (dynapenia); lower estrogen contributes to inflammation and oxidative stress and may impact muscle protein synthesis (3 research articles). ✔ Creatine supplementation has been shown to be a potential countermeasure to middle-age decreases in muscle, bone, and strength combined with strength training.* BRAIN HEALTH ✔ Brain health can be impacted by lifestyle choices, nutrition, and physical activity (source). ✔ Creatine can play an important role in brain health and function, specifically in areas of the brain that impact cognition, attention, and memory (frontal cortex). ✔ The brain is one of the major organs for energy production in our bodies, which is why adequate creatine stores can be instrumental in supporting brain health and cognitive performance. As we age, our stored creatine levels tend to decrease. ✔ There’s also research to support that creatine supplementation may aid in increasing dopamine levels (the feel-good hormone) and improves mitochondrial function. MUSCLE HEALTH BENEFITS ✔ Increases strength, power, and athletic performance without changes in body weight (source). ✔ Supplementation with creatine monohydrate can help increase your muscles’ creatine stores (as phosphocreatine); this directly impacts ATP (energy), which allows your body to produce more ATP and can help exercise performance. ✔ Augments lean body mass and bone composition.   RECOMMENDED USE As a dietary supplement, take one scoop up to twice daily with 6-8 oz. of water or beverage of your choice or add to a smoothie or as directed by your health care professional. For best results, blend with a shaker cup or blender. WARNINGS Consult with a health care professional before use and/or if you are pregnant, lactating or undergoing treatment for a medical condition. Do not exceed recommended dosage. Discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur and contact a health care professional. Do not use if seal is broken or missing. Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DISCLAIMER *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.