Creatine Use in Women

Creatine is a naturally-occurring compound that is supplied in the body through diet and is also produced by the body, particularly by the liver, kidneys and pancreas. Since it is naturally present in the body, it is thought that creatine supplements are equally beneficial to both men and women. However, there are no official scientific studies that actually evaluate the effects of creatine supplements on women. One study conducted on elderly women has shown that oral creatine supplements increase the ability to perform lower-body functional living tasks that require rapid movements. This study suggests that creatine supplements are tolerated well by women as much as men.

Benefits of Creatine for Women

Women who take creatine can enjoy some of its benefits that include:

• Improved body mass and shape
  Unlike in the past when women want to become skinny, today more and more women want to gain some mass. Having muscles adds to women’s beauty and makes them sexier. Creatine supplements along with proper training can help develop muscles that will show the true body form.

• Help lose fat
  Manufacturers of creatine products claim the supplement can help tone up and lose fat, particularly among active, athletic women. Since this fat helps the muscle contract, it can indirectly hasten the burning of fat, sculpting the body perfectly.

• Enhanced energy and athletic performance
  For women engaged in athletics or other activities that require increased energy, creatine supplements can provide their muscles with the needed amount of energy. Creatine supposedly assists the body during workout or physical exercise. It serves as the muscle’s energy reserve during high-intensity workout. In fact, Creatine supplements are particularly beneficial for women who want to gain strength and build muscles.

Although there are some women who now use creatine, there are still more women who are thinking twice about use of this supplement. Some concerns include possible effects on creatine in female hormones, side effects of creatine, and unwanted weight gain. However, manufacturers say that women should not shy away from the supplement as these fears are unfounded and often can be easily managed. For instance, the unwanted weight gain associated with energy-enhancing supplements usually gets lost as the body becomes used with the supplement. Creatine has not been shown to directly affect the production hormones. Like any other substances or medication, women who plan to become pregnant or are pregnant are advised to consult their healthcare providers before taking creatine supplements.