02/05/2026
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok, in the gym, or reading health blogs lately, you’ve probably noticed one supplement popping up everywhere: creatine.
So, what exactly is creatine, and why is it getting so much attention?
What is Creatine?
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in our bodies. Chemically, it’s made from three amino acids: arginine, glycine, and methionine. About 95% of the creatine in your body is stored in skeletal muscle, with the remaining amount found in the brain, heart, and other tissues, making it an important part of our body!
What is its main job?
Creatine’s primary role is energy support. It helps regenerate ATP the body’s main energy currency. ATP fuels everything from muscle contractions to brain signaling. When ATP is used up during physical or mental effort, creatine helps recycle it quickly so cells can keep working efficiently.
How much should I take?
Like all other supplements, the amount can vary from person to person. Think about when you are taking a vitamin or protein powder – you might not supplement the same as someone else! There are many factors that can go into this, for example, what does your daily diet look like? How much are you exercising? Are you taking other supplements?
It is generally recommended to take 3-5 grams per day for maintenance. However, for performance enhancement, doses can range from 3-10 grams per day. However, there is also something called the loading phase. Which is typically done to quickly saturate your muscles with creatine to maximize its benefits. During this phase, you take a higher dose of creatine for a short period, typically around 20-25 grams, usually around 5-7 days, before switching to a lower maintenance dose
Here are some benefits to Creatine:
Improved strength and power: It consistently shows improvements in strength, power output, and high-intensity exercise capacity.
Brain energy and cognitive support:
May improve short-term memory, mental processing speed, and resistance to mental fatigue—especially during stress or sleep deprivation.
Support for healthy aging: Helps preserve muscle mass, strength, and functional performance as we age!