Creatine is a naturally formed nutrient in the human body. It is an amino acid-based compound that is produced in the body from existing amino acids and food. Creatine content is found in foods like fish and red meat. The Creatine produced in the body is converted into a molecule known as phosphocreatine. Phosphocreatine stores energy in muscular tissues, especially in voluntary muscles and in the nervous system as these require large bouts of energy suddenly. There are also other benefits from Creatine such as promoting lean-muscle mass and reducing muscle wasting in post-surgical patients. It is also believed to help heart patients by increasing their exercise capacity, reducing heart spasms and thus increasing heart function. Some studies have also indicated its usefulness in treating neuromuscular disorders, though tests are still being conducted. Creatine is categorized as a food supplement by the FDA.

Creatine is said to be the most legitimate sports supplement today. Creatine is essentially used by sportspersons who participate in heavy sports like weightlifting, wrestling and sprinting. This is because these sports require sudden bursts of energy for a short period of time. Creatine also helps the athlete to recover sooner even after using up all the energy. Taking too much Creatine is also not very harmful as the body can absorb only a certain quantity and the rest is expelled from the body through the kidneys.

Creatine is also found to be useful for people suffering from neuromuscular disorders like ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease), a degenerative neural disease, when tested in mice. It was found to be twice as effective in extending the life of mice as compared to the existing prescription drug riluzole. This may be due to the increase in the availability of energy to damaged nerve cells. Or it can be because of a blocking to a chemical pathway that causes cell death.

The best thing about Creatine is its almost negligible side effects. Creatine supplements are available in the form of capsules, chewable tablets as well as powder. There are several manufacturers of Creatine supplements. There are also several websites on the Internet that provide information about Creatine supplements.