If you search for creatine recipes on social media, you’ll find many creators adding it to everything from smoothies to oatmeal bowls. Even though experts and influencers tout its benefits in their videos, I avoided using it because I’ve always been a bit skeptical of supplements. Before adding it to my diet, I had tons of questions that needed answers. Can it actually boost performance? Is it safe? And what kind of supplement is it?
Creatine is a compound found in meat and fish and is also naturally produced by the human body, says Richard Kreider, director of the exercise and sports nutrition lab at Texas A&M University. Kristen Konkol, an associate teaching professor of exercise science at Syracuse University, says creatine can help improve strength and power, enhance muscle recovery, increase muscle mass, and even provide cognitive benefits.
As you’re probably aware, there’s some controversy surrounding the safety of creatine. People have long held the belief that creatine is an anabolic steroid (it’s not) and that consuming creatine can lead to kidney damage, hair loss, and dehydration….
