Title: The Science Behind Creatine Supplements – Are They Really All That? Creatine supplements have been popular among gym enthusiasts for years now, but their popularity has skyrocketed in recent times as social media influencers tout the benefits of creatine for everything from muscle growth to cognitive enhancement. But are these claims backed by science or just another fitness fad? Let’s dive into the research and find out. Creatine is a compound made up of three amino acids that your muscles use as an energy source. Your body naturally produces some creatine, but you can also get it from consuming red meat, chicken, or fish. The question at hand is whether supplements designed to maximize the amount of creatine stored in our muscles can deliver on all these health benefits influencers claim? According to decades of research, taking creatine supplements can indeed help increase lean muscle mass and improve athletic performance by providing quick bursts of energy. This means you could do a few extra reps during your bench press or finish stronger in that road race. Combining creatine with carbohydrates also helps boost endurance and speed up recovery after intense workouts, according to Abbie Smith-Ryan, professor of exercise and sports science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While increasing your natural creatine levels through diet is possible, it would require consuming large amounts of raw beef every day – something most people aren’t willing to do. Hence, supplements become a more convenient option for many fitness enthusiasts. When it comes to adding lean muscle mass, the evidence supporting creatine supplements is “overwhelming,” says Jose Antonio, professor of exercise and sports science at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. So, are creatine supplements all they’re pumped up to be? Based on scientific research, yes! They can help improve athletic performance, boost endurance, speed recovery after workouts, and add lean muscle mass. However, as with any dietary supplement or fitness routine, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen. In conclusion, while creatine supplements may not be the magic pill some influencers claim them to be, they do have scientific backing for their benefits in muscle growth and athletic performance enhancement. As long as you use them responsibly under medical supervision, there’s no reason why these popular gym staples shouldn’t continue to play a role in your fitness journey.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/09/04/nx-s1-5526053/are-creatine-supplements-all-that-theyre-pumped-up-to-be)
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