What Do Creatine Levels Do?

Creatine is an essential amino acid used to produce energy that drives muscle movement and function. While most of the body's creatine is dispersed to the muscles, some is also delivered to the brain and heart. Because men have more muscle mass, they tend to have higher creatine levels.

Normal Levels

• Adequate levels of creatine provide the muscles with sufficient energy for movement by releasing the correct amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the energy source for muscular cells. In a healthy adult male, approximately 2 grams of creatine is used each day for normal activity. Females use slightly less than males due to having smaller muscle mass.

High Creatine Levels

• When creatine levels are too high, muscular problems like limb-girdle dystrophy can occur. In this condition, the muscles can weaken and degenerate, causing problems with walking and movement.

Diet

• Creatine is derived from food like fish

  Creatine is synthesized by the liver and kidneys from amino acids found in the diet. Foods such as poultry, fish or meat are the best sources and provide enough creatine for normal, healthy muscle. When the diet does not provide sufficient creatine levels, the body can synthesize the amount needed so long as there are enough amino acids consumed in the diet.

Supplements

• Creatine can be increased with supplements

  The only way to increase creatine to an excessively high level is by consuming supplements. Athletes take supplements when they want to increase their strength and performance. Supplements come in tablets or powdered form. Supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Warnings

• There are several possible side effects and dangers associated with artificially increased levels of creatine. Muscles in the calves can tighten, shin splints can form, ligaments can tear, there can be diarrhea, muscle cramping, nausea or even damage to the kidneys.