ExRx.net

I know that creatine is all the rage with the younger guys, but are there any reasons why us 40-somethings should lay off the stuff, or is it beneficial to everyone equally?

Well, I doubt if it will hurt anything at all. I've used it well into my 50's. First thing though, is to find out what it does, and if you have a need for it. It basically is a phosphate and adds fuel for the ATP or anaerobic fueling function. It aids in allowing strong contractions longer by increasing the fuel. Also, due to it's physical/chemical makeup, it attracts water like a magnet, which can cause initial weight gain, and a bit of initial strength due to the weight gain. Just this in itself , allowing you to work harder, may assist in gaining some lean muscle tissue and increased strength. Also, there was an earlier thread questioning whether yuou went off it , would you loose everything. Nope, usually not. As CDB already posted in that earlier thread, just use a powder, and make sure it's dissolved fully. That will insure maximum upake. 5 gr/day is usually a good dose. Personally, I don't see any need for the loading scheme, I think it's just a way that the seller's use to make more money. Your muscles will saturate within a week or two with a straight 5 gr dose. As to side effects, well I've never seen anything along the long term, but short terms seems to be clear of anything negative, at any age. And yes, I've seen the media bad mouth it, but just stay hydrated and there shouldn't be any problems.
Tim

Thanks Tim. About the water weight gain: is the excess weight distributed throughout your body (such as in the areas you're trying to make more muscular), or does it have a tendency to bloat one's stomach?

Actually, the idea is to get the muscles saturated with creatine, so that the muscles draw in the excess liquid. Thats a reason you want it thoroughly dissolved in the liquid you take it in. This will prevent a bloat in the stomach if the creatine stays in that area.
Tim

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