Abstract

Creatine supplementation is a widely utilized strategy among athletes seeking to enhance performance in highintensity sports activities. This article explores the biochemical basis of creatine supplementation and its implications for athletic performance. Creatine, primarily stored in skeletal muscle as phosphocreatine, plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, particularly during short bursts of intense exercise. The supplementation of creatine aims to augment intramuscular creatine stores, thereby optimizing the ATP-CP energy system and improving muscle power output. This review examines the mechanisms of action underlying the ergogenic effects of creatine supplementation, including increased phosphocreatine resynthesis, improved calcium handling, cellular hydration, and modulation of gene expression and protein synthesis. Considerations for athletes, including individual response variability, optimal dosing protocols, hydration status, and product quality, are also discussed. A nuanced understanding of the biochemical basis of creatine supplementation empowers athletes to make informed decisions regarding its use, thereby maximizing the potential benefits while minimizing risks