Does Creatine Stunt Your Growth? Q&A + 4 Helpful Benefits
Posted by Prolab Nutrition on 1st Mar 2022
Creatine is one the most well-researched and supported supplements in the sports nutrition field. Despite the amount of documented conclusions concerning the safety of creatine monohydrate some people still have a hesitancy to use it. Without a proper understanding of what the supplement is and how it works, questions arise such as, does creatine stunt your growth?
Keep reading to discover the health benefits of creatine, including how it affects your growth.
What Is Creatine?
Creatine is an amino acid that is naturally made from different organs within the body including the kidneys, pancreas, and liver. Your body uses different proteins to make creatine and then enables the muscles to convert the creatine into phosphate. Next creatine phosphate is generated into ATP or adenosine triphosphate. The additional stores of ATP are used to support extensive workouts and bursts of energy.
Athletes and bodybuilders benefit from increased amounts of creatine to support growth and recovery. Supplementing with creatine is often necessary because the amount of protein that would need to be consumed to significantly increase creatine levels would be quite high.
Combining protein-rich foods and a quality creatine monohydrate supplement can impact muscle strength and repair to support positive growth.
Does Creatine Stunt Your Growth?
Creatine will not stunt your growth. Quite the opposite, creatine will promote and support growth by helping to strengthen and repair muscles. Creatine is not a drug and is completely legal. It is a naturally occurring amino acid formed in your body and stored within the muscles used to increase lean muscle growth, strength, power, and endurance. The biggest factor that can hinder growth is poor nutrition. Proper diet and exercise, along with health supplements like creatine monohydrate will support further growth, not stunt it.
4 Ways Creatine Supports Growth
Builds Muscle Mass
Creatine can build muscle mass. Creatine uses protein to boost cellular formation and contribute to new muscle fiber growth. Also, it can increase a hormone level known as insulin-like growth factor 1, to promote muscle mass. Additionally, creatine monohydrate will cause water retention to hydrate and help shuttle key nutrients to the muscles efficiently.
Boosts Performance
As Creatine contributes to ATP production you can expect significant improvements when it comes to anaerobic workouts. This increase in energy, explosive power, and strength can support additional growth when supported with proper nutrition too.
Reduces Tiredness & Fatigue
Creatine supports the cognitive function to reduce fatigue to boost energy for mental sharpness and physical endurance. ATP breaks down while working out to provide necessary energy and stamina.
Repairs Muscle Damages
High amounts of creatine can help quickly repair muscles after training and even speed recovery time between sets. The faster your body can effectively recovery, the more growth can occur. Creatine monohydrate is a versatile supplement that offers many benefits contributing to overall health and growth.
Recommended Creatine Dosing?
The most common dosage when using creatine is 5-10 grams per day, followed by an initial one-week loading phase. After the muscles have been adequately saturated with creatine it is not necessary to overload with more than the suggested serving size per day. Once your muscles have been super-saturated, supplementing with the required dose is all that is needed to ensure your levels stay full.
Make sure to drink plenty of water while using creatine. Creatine monohydrate powder is flavorless and can be dissolved in water or juice. It is best to drink close to one gallon of water a day in general, but especially while supplementing with creatine monohydrate.
Prolab Creatine Monohydrate is a micronized and pure creatine that does not contain any additives or fillers. Supplementing with creatine can help you maximize muscular development and increase explosive power output. 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per day can support growth, fuel performance, and improve recovery time.
Wrapping Up
Does creatine stunt your growth? No, creatine can promote your growth with muscle strength, enhanced energy, and improved mental ability. However, supplementing with a high-quality creatine monohydrate is essential to get the desired benefits.
Supplementing with creatine monohydrate can help to supersaturate muscles with greater stores of available creatine – driving improved muscle power output, explosive strength, and rapid intra-workout recovery. If you follow a regular workout routine, creatine can provide additional strength and energy to endure rigorous workouts and training.