What is Creatine?

A readers asks, "I work out regularly and someone at the gym said creatine supplements could help enhance my workouts. Could you tell me more about what creatine is and what the side effects might be?"

Creatine supplements are extremely popular with athletes and bodybuilders, many of whom consider it to have similar effects as anabolic steroids without the side effects. Creatine increases production of ATP, an energy source for muscles during brief, explosive periods of activity, such as weight-lifting or sprinting. Read the full creatine fact sheet: What is Creatine?