Final answer:
Creatine monohydrate acts as an energy reserve in muscle cells, quickly regenerating ATP for high-intensity muscle work, which enhances strength and power output. It also promotes cell volumization and is effective when taken with protein and carbohydrates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Creatine monohydrate is a dietary supplement that acts as an energy reserve in muscle cells. It does this by increasing the levels of creatine phosphate, which can quickly regenerate ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell, during the first few seconds of muscle contraction.
This process is catalyzed by the enzyme creatine kinase. By doing so, creatine monohydrate enhances the ability of muscles to perform high-intensity work, supporting the improvement of strength, power output, and muscular endurance.
Different forms of creatine, such as creatine ethyl ester and creatine monohydrate, are available, with creatine monohydrate typically being the most cost-effective and requiring a standard dosage. When consumed with a combination of protein and carbohydrates, it can be even more effective than when taken alone.
Some athletes use creatine to increase power output since creatine phosphate provides quick bursts of ATP to muscles at the initial stage of contraction. Creatine supplements are distinct from prohormones, being legal and naturally found in food, and are known to improve muscle and brain function without the harmful side effects associated with prohormones and other performance-enhancing drugs.