Perhaps no supplement has taken the bodybuilding arena by storm as much as creatine. Lifters, trainers, and dealers swear by the many benefits of using a creatine supplement. Available in powders, tablets, and drinks, its potential to build muscle mass is widely revered. But what exactly is creatine? Can it really provide the punch you need in your workout routine? The answers may surprise you.

Creatine's History With so many new and emerging creatine products, it is easy to forget that creatine has been known to help muscle development since 1912. Despite this, it wasn't until 1992 (at the Barcelona Olympics) that creatine first emerged onto the fitness scene. Several medalists revealed that creatine had aided their training, prompting athletes to seek out this promising "new" product. However, it wasn't until 2004 that creatine as we know it was developed and widely available.

Where You Find It Just because creatine wasn't discovered until the late 1800's doesn't mean that it didn't exist before then. But where was it hiding? Since the first humans walked the earth, their bodies were producing and storing creatine it to feed and maintain muscle tissue. Around 95% of creatine is stored in the body's muscles, with the rest being stored in other areas of the body.

What It Is What is this mystery ingredient lurking in the human body and packaged in every creatine supplement in the world? Creatine is basically a combination of three amino acids: arginine, glycine, and methionine. It is either formulated in the liver from these acids or ingested through food (meat and fish). For those who don't ingest enough creatine, such as vegetarians, the liver produces enough for the body's muscles to function.

Why You Need More...And How it Works Isn't that enough? After all, if the human body produces enough creatine for muscle growth and survival, that should be good enough, right? Not necessarily. Remember, the average person isn't trying to build muscle. Body builders and athletes are.

Creatine basically serves as an energy-transporter to muscles. Therefore, having MORE creatine than the "average Joe" allows body builders to spend more time lifting weights without pain and fatigue. In addition, creatine supplement side effects are very rare and exceptionally mild, with muscle cramps being the only complaint.

For those who want to experience more explosive lifting sessions with less afterburn, many often turn to creatine. Some other benefits are:

* Increased muscle mass * Increased stamina during workouts * Higher energy * Weight (fat) loss (for those new to using creatine)

Creatine is naturally found and manufactured in the body, and it is one of the few supplements that truly is naturally found in the human system. For those looking for the "latest thing" in fitness supplements, creatine isn't it. However, those looking maximize the creatine reserves in their systems and reap the benefits, taking a creatine supplement is the perfect solution. Visit http://www.fitness-supplement.com to find the perfect supplement for you!