Thought that creatine was just for bodybuilders? Think again! Our article discusses how creatine supplementation may improve brain activity. We also provide you with information on how you can start your own creatine supplement line with a quality creatine supplement manufacturer!

1. Creatine May Beef Up Brawn and Brain Functions
January 14, 2011

2. Creatine May Beef Up Brawn and Brain Functions
Creatine was first discovered in the 1800’s as an organic pre-protein compound found in meat. The
scientific name for it is methyl guanidine-acetic acid. Synthesis of creatine takes place in the liver and
kidneys by amino acids. It is then transported by the blood to other parts of the body for use by muscles.
It is believed that our bodies are able to store up to 95 percent of the synthesized creatine in muscle
tissue. In the 1900’s creatine gained popularity as a natural aid to improve athletic performance and
enhance muscle mass. Experts also believe that creatine plays a role in maintaining energy production in
the brain. Creatine can be found in dietary sources such as meat products and dietary supplements.
For years creatine has been the favored ergogenic aid of sportsmen for enhancing sports performance.
However, results from a recent study show creatine may not only be useful for beefing up muscle
prowess; it may also be used to boost memory and general intelligence. The results from this new study
hold promising news for businessmen, housewives, the elderly, and university students looking for
boosted memory performance just before exams.
According to study results published in the British Journal of Nutrition, vegetarians showed marked
improvements in memory after taking creatine supplement for five days. This indicates that people with
lower muscle levels of creatine, typically vegetarians and vegans, may benefit the most from creatine
supplements.1
The trial study recruited 121 young women, a mixed batch of vegetarians and omnivores. They were
randomly given either a placebo or a creatine supplement (20 grams a day of creatine monohydrate) for
five days. A battery of cognitive tests was performed both before and after the trial. Creatine supplements
gave a quantifiable boost to memory power. The results showed that creatine supplements improved
cognitive functions in vegetarian women by 40 percent, when compared to the placebo group. In both
vegetarians and omnivores, creatine supplementation reduced the variability of the women in their
responses to a choice reaction-time task.
Previous studies have also suggested the role of creatine in cognitive performance. Dr. Caroline Rae,
who led a study on creatine supplements in 2003, believes that creatine increases the amount of energy
available to the brain for computational tasks, thus improving general mental ability. In the study
conducted on 45 young adults who were vegetarians, creatine supplementation showed a significant
positive effect on both working memory and intelligence—tasks that require speed of processing. The
findings underlined the dynamic role creatine plays in influencing brain performance.2
The mechanism
Phosphocreatine is a compound that acts as a reservoir of high-energy phosphate and may serve a role
in neurotransmission. Levels of phosphocreatine are regulated by the enzyme, creatine phosphokinase,
concentrated in the synaptic regions of the brain. High concentrations of phosphocreatine are found in the
hippocampus, often referred to as the seat of learning and memory in the brain. Because of the uneven
distribution of creatine phosphokinase, researchers believe that creatine does not work in a general way
to improve brain functions. It may be able to improve certain aspects of cognitive functions and not others.
Other functions of creatine
Creatine is believed to:
• Help create energy in the body
• Help increase muscle mass, possibly due to its ability to draw water into muscle tissue, thus
expanding its size.
• Creatine may have anabolic benefits. In this state, protein synthesis may occur at a greater level,
maximizing benefits to muscle.
• Creatine is used to alleviate muscle soreness.

3. Creatine formulations include
• Creatine Monohydrate
• Creatine Ester Ethyl
• Creatine Citrate
• Ester Creatine, or Creatine Ester Ethyl Hydrochloride
Creatine delivery forms
Popular delivery forms include micronized creatine powders that dissolve quickly and completely in a
liquid drink. Creatine supplements are found in liquid delivery forms as well. Creatine chews and creatine
energy bars are also popular for loading and maintaining creatine levels in the body.
Manufacture Your Own Creatine Supplements
Nutricap Labs, a high-quality sports nutrition manufacturer that has a GMP-certified facility can offer you
customized manufacturing solutions. A highly-qualified research team, experienced in nutritional
supplement manufacturing, can help you custom-design a formula that meets the expectations of your
target market. In-house graphic designers and wide-range options for packaging can put your product on
the fast track to success!
For more information on how to start your own creatine supplements line, call (800) 494-6154 to speak
with one of their knowledgeable product advisors or submit a request to receive a free quote in 24 to 48
hours.
References:
1. “The influence of creatine supplementation on the cognitive functioning of vegetarians and omnivores.”
British Journal of Nutrition, December 1, 2010; doi:10.1017/S0007114510004733.
2. Oral creatine monohydrate supplementation improves brain performance: a double-blind, placebo-
controlled, cross-over trial, Proc Biol Sci. 2003 October 22; 270(1529): 2147–2150.