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Function and chemistry of
phosphocreatine
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Creatine
Function and chemistry of Phosphocreatine
Phosphocreatine
Go to:
Function and chemistry of
phosphocreatine
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Creatine
Function and chemistry of Phosphocreatine
The muscles of the body function
through the use of ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, to power contractions.
When one molecule of ATP is used in the contraction process, it is hydrolyzed
to ADP, adenosine diphosphate, and an inorganic phosphate. The muscles’
limited ATP supply is used very quickly in muscle activity, so the need
to regenerate ATP is essential. One of the ways that this ATP supply
is regenerated is through the molecule creatine phosphate (or phosphocreatine).
In the process of regeneration of ATP, creatine phosphate transfers a high-energy
phosphate to ADP. The products of this reaction are ATP and creatine.
Creatine phosphate can be obtained from two sources: ingestion of meat
and internal production by the liver and kidneys. Creatine and creatinine
(fromed from the metabolism of creatine) waste is removed from the body
through the kidneys and urinary system.
Figure taken from Jenkins, Mark A. MD "Creatine Supplementation in Athletes: Review"
Advantages:
The supplementation of creatine
phosphate has been shown in studies to be effective for many people. 
With
supplementation, muscle mass, explosive power, and strength have been shown
to increase in most cases. Thus, for activities that require short
bursts of energy such as football and sprinting, creatine phosphate has
improved athletic performance. Another advantage to taking creatine
phosphate is that it is a legal substance in most athletic competitions,
such as the Olympics and professional athletics. In addition, creatine
phosphate is not considered a drug by the FDA.
Disadvantages:
In regard to health, the
major disadvantage to supplimenting with creatine phosphate is that no
long term studies have been done on the effects. Some scientists
speculate that with supplimentation, the body could stop naturally producing
creatine. Also, the effects of the increased waste products of creatine
and creatinine on the kidneys are a concern. Supporting this claim,
the creatine content of urine with supplimentation is 90 times greater
than normal. Other reported side effects include nausea, gastrointestinal
disturbances, and increased muscle cramping. Another major disadvantage
to phosphocreatine is that it is only effective for short bursts of energy.
This is because ATP is regenerated using different methods during long
term activity. Therefore, increased levels of phosphocreatine would
be useless for an athelete such as a marathon runner.
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Links:
Creatine Supplementation in Athletes: Review
Creatine Monohydrate: A Practical Guide to Creatine Use