Creatine is a non-protein amino acid found in animals and, in much lesser amounts, plants. It is synthesized in the kidney, liver and pancreas from the amino acids L-arginine, glycine and L-methionine. Following its biosynthesis, Creatine is transported to the skeletal muscle, heart, brain and other tissues. Creatine supplementation has been, and continues to be, investigated as a possible therapeutic approach for the treatment of muscular, neurological and neuromuscular diseases (arthritis, congestive heart failure, disuse atrophy, gyrate atrophy, McArdle's disease, Huntington's disease, miscellaneous neuromuscular diseases, mitochondrial diseases, muscular dystrophy, neuroprotection, etc.).
There is some evidence that supplemental Creatine may enhance performance in a limited number of high-intensity, short-term physical activities, but the data are mixed, and no ergogenic effect has been convincingly demonstrated outside of laboratory settings. Adequate safety data are still lacking. There is some very preliminary data that Creatine may be helpful in treating muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral scleroses and may improve skeletal muscle function in some with congestive heart failure and gyrate atrophy of the retina. Creatine is a source of energy for muscle contraction. The body produces its own Creatine in the liver, kidneys and pancreas. You also get it in your diet when you eat meat or fish. The body stores most of the Creatine in skeletal muscle to use when you exercise. The rest goes in the heart, brain and other tissues.
References:
PDR Health. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/cre_0086.shtml
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=325&topcategory=
