Creatine - Reality and Misbeliefs
Anna Schmidt
2026-03-21
3 min. read
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Although creatine is one of the most extensively researched dietary supplements, it remains a topic of many questions from active individuals. The reason for this is the divergence of opinions regarding its use and effects. Therefore, it is important to determine which information about creatine is truly accurate and which is merely unfounded beliefs.
Fact: Creatine can be utilized throughout the year as it is not foreign to our body
It is an endogenously produced substance, which means that it does not require various saturation or loading phases. There is also no reason not to use creatine throughout the year. It can be treated just like other macronutrients that are necessary for our body to grow and function properly. There is no cause for concern that our metabolism will start functioning poorly or that an excess of creatine will remain unutilized by our body. Its diverse applications allow for its utilization in most physiological processes and metabolic pathways.
Myth: Creatine solely while increasing muscle mass
This is most likely the most frequently repeated myth among athletes, which results from the simple fact that we do not know the precise mechanism of action of creatine. This substance primarily contributes to the increase of ATP, which is the basic energy unit in our body. However, the use of this energy is dependent on ourselves. If our goal is to build muscle mass, then a suitable diet and exercise will help us achieve this goal. So why not use creatine during the period of fat reduction? An additional amount of ATP will certainly help to intensify thermogenic processes, improve metabolic function, and reveal our muscles from under the accumulated fat.
Fact: A training preparatory phase is required for the use of creatine supplements
Creatine, similar to most dietary supplements, requires at least a six-month preparatory phase before it can be used permanently. Why? Nutritional supplements need an appropriate environment that allows them not only to function but also to develop their full potential. This environment is created through proper nutrition and training experience. Without previous experience, creatine supplementation will not bring the expected results. Before deciding to buy this supplement, we should allow our body to adapt to new conditions that arise not only from physical exertion but also from healthy nutrition.
Inaccurate Belief: Creatine is a Steroid
This is a frequently encountered thinking among those just starting out who do not take an interest in understanding what creatine is. Supplements containing creatine have no effect on our hormonal system or increase testosterone levels. This may sound odd, but there are still opinions on the matter. However, creatine, as previously mentioned, leads to an elevation of adenosine triphosphate levels, which is manifested as a significant increase in the available energy resources of our body, resulting in enhanced endurance and strength and more effective execution of all physiological processes.
Myth: The effectiveness depends on the form of creatine
The market for dietary supplements offers a wide range of creatine preparations. Creatine itself comes in several different forms, the most popular of which are, of course, monohydrate and apples. There are also other types such as nitrogen, lemon, phosphorus, or orotane. However, the effectiveness of each is the same, and the difference lies in the structural strength of the respective form or the degree to which it is absorbed by the body. Therefore, we can once again state that both the effectiveness and its durability are determined by our efforts, namely diet and exercise. Of course, additional ingredients that occur in the more refined forms of creatine may enhance effectiveness, but the final result will be the same. Therefore, it does not matter which form we choose. If we work systematically and meticulously on our goal, we can be sure that we will achieve it without the risk of setbacks or deterioration after completing the creatine cycle.
