Creatine is a natural acid that provides energy to muscles. Taking creatine supplements can increase muscle mass and athletic performance. The loading phase involves taking a high dose for several days, followed by a lower maintenance dose. Excessive doses can cause side effects, and creatine is not recommended for non-medical use in young athletes. Creatine has been used to treat various medical conditions, but patients should consult a doctor before use.
Creatine is an acid produced in the liver and kidneys that provides energy to the muscles. Many people take creatine supplements to increase muscle mass and increase their athletic performance. The most important factors that affect creatine dosage are age, weight, and how long a person has been supplementing creatine. During the first few days of taking creatine, known as the creatine loading phase, users can take a higher dose until the muscles have reached their saturation point. People who take creatine for anything other than gaining strength and muscle mass will generally follow different dosing plans as directed by their doctor.
A popular way to take creatine is to start by taking a high dose of creatine for several days. Creatine supplements contain two different types of natural creatine: free creatine and creatine phosphate. Creatine phosphate is responsible for providing energy during vigorous activity. Rapidly loading muscles with creatine is believed to increase muscle strength and endurance faster than starting with a lower dose.
To load the muscles, adults can start by taking 20 grams of creatine for four to seven days. Due to the dehydrating nature of creatine, users should drink plenty of water during this period. It is important for them to understand that taking higher doses will not increase results. Instead, excessive doses can cause various side effects, such as stomach upset, cramps, and muscle injuries.
After the loading phase, users should reduce their creatine dose to between 2 and 5 grams per day. Users can also customize their dosage according to their body weight. For a custom dose, adults can consume 0.3 milligrams for every 2.2 pounds (1 kg) of body weight. Creatine is not recommended for non-medical use in young athletes. Due to the potential for side effects, children and adolescents should only use creatine under the supervision of a medical professional.
Creatine has also been used to treat patients with heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, gyrus atrophy, and other conditions. Patients suffering from heart failure are usually given a 20-gram dose of creatine for five to 10 days. In those suffering from other conditions, various doses may be recommended.
People with serious medical conditions should not use creatine without consulting their doctor. This is especially true for patients with liver and kidney disease, as creatine could affect the function of these organs. A physician will be able to assess your patient’s condition and determine the safest and most effective dose of creatine.
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