Creatine The Supplement Essay Research Paper May

Creatine- The Supplement Essay, Research Paper

May 5, 1999

9AHP4

Outline

Question: Should creatine be legal.

Title: Creatine: The legal supplement

I. Introduction

A. Background on Creatine

1. History

a. Beginning of supplementation

b. Advancements

2. Function

a. Purpose

b. Uses

B. Problem: Should creatine be categorized as a drug or a dietary supplement.

II. Body

A. Positives of Creatine

1. Bigger Bodies and Stronger Muscles

2. Better than Steroids

B. Negatives of Creatine

1. Overdosing

2. Dangers of the unknown

C. Supporters/Opposers of Creatine

III. Conclusion

A. Summary of Important facts

B. My opinion

IV. Works Cited

Creatine: The legal supplement

Creatine monohydrate is a natural weightlifting supplement. It is currently the hottest selling body building product on the market (Mathas 1). Ten years ago supplements consisted of only protein, carbohydrate powders, vitamins, and minerals (Phillips 3). In 1985, Engineered Foods, creatine, Phosphagen, vanadyl, OKG, AKG, Glutamine and other popular supplements of today were unheard of (Phillips 4). When steroids were wiped out there was a huge void left in it’s place. There was a demand for something to get the extra edge that was received from steroids. This demand attracted the scientific community in the pursuit of non-pharmaceutical agents that would increase muscle building abilities and fat lose (Phillips 4).

The advancements in supplementation have been remarkable. Over the past 10 years the use of supplements has risen greatly, and the use of steroids has dropped in proportion with that rise (Phillips 3). Today creatine is available at any drug store or pharmacy without a prescription (Jeansonne 1). It is available in several forms; powder, pills, gel, liquid, and even candy (Jeansonne 2). Creatine is now even available in two different forms; creatine monohydrate and creatine phosphate (Stout 1). Bill Phillips, executive editor of Muscle Media 2000, believes that by the year 2005 people will be able to equal if not exceed what is reached now through the best steroids, and that these “miracle” products will be used by everyone (Phillips 4). He also states that in the future supplements will work through regulation of amino acid turnover in muscle cells and will regulate insulin production and stability (Phillips 4). All of these possible advancements will increase the already advancing field of supplementation.

Creatine is naturally produced in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas in various amounts (Schrof 2). Creatine is produced through the breakdown of amino acids (Jeansonne 5). It is found in muscle tissues of animals (Jeansonne 5). The daily requirement of creatine for the human body is 2 grams which is supplied by fish or red meats (Schrof 2). There are two forms of creatine. One form of creatine is synthetic creatine, or creatine monohydrate (Stout 1). The other form of creatine is creatine phosphate, which is how creatine is stored in the muscles (Stout 1).

Creatine is used by muscle cells to store energy for explosive exertion, such as sprinting and weight lifting (Jeansonne 5). Creatine helps fuel the muscle contractions by replenishing ATP or adenosine triphosphate (Schrof 2). Today creatine is the most effective supplement on the market for building muscle and increasing speed (Stout 1). Creatine allows the body to train at higher levels of intensity which in the long run will lead to greater gains in muscularity, endurance, and power (Stout 1). Past a certain point, most athletes will not experience performance benefits, this is where creatine comes into play (Duchaine 3). To notice results, Dan Duchaine, a foremost fitness expert, suggest experimenting with supplements one at a time and take the supplement as directed (Duchaine 3).

The major controversy over creatine is its safety. This raises the question, should creatine be available without specific restrictions. Many people feel as though creatine should not be legal because it can have various negative effects, if it is abused or taken in the wrong amounts, just like a drug. This is why some coaches and doctors feel so strongly about the safety of creatine with their players and patients and insist upon monitoring the usage of the supplement. On the other hand, creatine is not a drug at all (Mathas 1). It is a combination of several amino acids that cause the muscles to become stronger and more explosive (Mathas 1). These facts also raise the question; Should creatine be categorized as a drug or a dietary supplement.

Positives of Creatine

The Positives of using creatine are fairly obvious. Creatine allows the body to complete more intense workouts which, in the long run, will increase muscle size and strength (Jeansonne 5). The extra reps or stair climbs creatine allows for weight lifters and runners means added brawn and bulk. It is one of the reasons why football players are stronger and faster than ever. The weight gains, while using creatine, can be astounding. In a few months of using creatine at the recommended daily dose of 10 grams, it is not unlikely for someone to gain 20-30 pounds (Schrof 3). This amazing weight gain is due to t

Внимание, отключите Adblock

Вы посетили наш сайт со включенным блокировщиком рекламы!
Ссылка для скачивания станет доступной сразу после отключения Adblock!

Скачать