Creatine Monohydrate

A Dietary Supplement

Category: Sports Nutrition
Creatine Monohydrate
Description: Shown to help increase muscle size, strength and endurance. Helps fuel the muscles during training for mass and strength gains. 500 grams (1.1 lbs.)
Price: $19.99

Creatine monohydrate supplementation has taken the sports nutrition industry by storm. Why? If you ask the average person taking creatine, they will tell you that it actually helps deliver incredible mass and strength gains without negative side effects.

Here's how it works. Creatine monohydrate is a metabolite that functions as a precursor to creatine phosphate. Once converted to creatine phosphate, it provides a "high energy " phosphate molecule for ATP production. ATP is the chemical in our bodies that fuels all muscular contractions. This chain of events is known as the Krebs cycle. Creatine's role, coupled with strength training, influences muscular contractions, cell hydration, strength, and ultimately long-term muscle growth when adequate protein is present.

Creatine also appears to be very safe, even when taken in relatively large amounts by athletes. There have been no adverse effects associated with creatine use in any of the studies, other than the usual gastric upset that many substances are known to cause in a few people. Although very long term safety studies have not yet been conducted with people taking creatine in large amounts over many years, there are no mechanisms known that would suggest to researchers that such studies would show any adverse effects.

Suggested Use: As an adult dietary supplement, creatine is best taken in 2 phases: the loading phase followed by the maintenance phase. The loading phase requires an athlete to load up on creatine in order to saturate muscle stores. Mixed with 8 ounces of grape or orange juice, approximately 5 grams of creatine monohydrate are taken directly before a workout and another 5-gram serving is taken directly after a workout. During the maintenance phase, creatine muscle stores are maintained by taking 5 grams with grape or orange juice directly before a workout or in the morning on non-workout days. It is important that days are not skipped during either phase for optimum results!

Plus, it is essential that each athlete ingests the creatine required given his or her current body weight. Most companies use a "one size fits all philosophy" surrounding creatine. This can lead to inaccurate doses, leaving some athletes over- or under-ingesting the correct amount of creatine given their muscle mass. The more muscle an athlete has, the more creatine needed to obtain maximum results and benefits. (See chart for correct loading and maintenance phase recommendations.) Meritech understands the science behind the product and guides athletes to use the correct approach. At Meritech, we follow the bodyweight formulated design for all nutritional supplements since each athlete has specific recommendations. Again, see the chart to calculate your dosage and adjust accordingly.

Again, best results are obtained by mixing pure creatine monohydrate with grape or orange juice. These juices spike the body's insulin level to help deliver the creatine to the muscle cells. Don't worry--the acidic nature of the orange juice won't have an effect on the creatine. Remember, the pH of the stomach is about one. So, the low pH of the orange juice doesn't have an effect on the creatine. Also, remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day since creatine has a tendency to cause your body to hold water (most people need to ingest at least 8 glasses of water above their typical daily fluid intake when taking creatine).

*Workout Levels:

Level 1: 1 hour of training, 2 to 3 times weekly, at low-level intensity.

Level 2: 1 1/2 hours of training, 3 to 4 times weekly, at medium-level intensity.

Level 3: 2 hours of training, 5 to 6 times per week, at high-level intensity.

Warning: Some sensitive individuals may experience gastric upset while taking creatine monohydrate; if this occurs, reduce dosage or discontinue use. This product is intended for adult use only.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any disease. Always consult a knowledgeable health care professional before beginning any dietary supplement, weight management or exercise program.

Great care has been taken in providing accurate product information; however, there may be typographical errors in the Supplement or Nutrition Facts or product ingredient information shown above. Always carefully read and follow label directions.

Questions? Email us at meritech@4meritech.com

or call us toll-free at 1-800-660-4763.