Muscle Health
Creatine Monohydrate Background and Benefits

Creatine monohydrate is an organic acid, also known by other names as creatine, methylguanidoacetic acid, and N-carbamimidoyl-N-methylglycine, its chemical formula is C4H9N3O2. In year 1832 creatine was isolated from skeletal muscle by French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul.  Greek word "kreas," meaning meat gives the name creatine.
The main biological role of creatine is to provide chemical energy by production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), especially for muscles. Creatine content in the liver is about 0.01 percent, creatine content in human blood is about one percent, and  The creatine content of meat is also a common method of measuring freshness.
Creatine is not an essential nutrient in vertebrates because it can be biosynthesized from the amino acids arginine and glycine. In this process, one of these molecules at a time is combined with the enzyme arginine: glycine amidinotransferase to form guanidinoacetate. Methylation of guanidinoacetate with guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase to produce creatine.
 
The biosynthesis of creatine occurs primarily in the liver and kidneys. Creatine is then transported by the blood to other parts of the body, particularly skeletal muscle and the brain. The normal concentration of creatine in skeletal muscle is usually sufficient to contract it for a few seconds. However, additional creatine can be synthesized quickly to meet increased energy demands.
 

Uses of creatine monohydrate

The most common uses of creatine is related to the growth and performance of muscle. It may provide neurological and cognitive benefits.
 

Signs that you need creatine monohydrate

Older adults and athletes looking to gain muscle mass are most likely to benefit from creatine supplements. Young adults who want to improve their performance during short, high-intensity activities may also need creatine. The inability to synthesize creatine is an indication that you may need creatine supplements. This genetic condition is extremely rare and results in a range of neurological symptoms including muscle weakness and mental retardation.