ASK LOTTIE

“Is supplementing with creatine really worth the hype?”

I don't know about you, but I've seen creatine all over my social media over the last few months. It's one of those supplements that sounds a bit intimidating, but it's actually something our body already makes and uses every day. This amino acid derivative is mostly found within the muscles and our brain, and helps to provide ATP (energy), especially during short bursts of more intense exercise like lifting weights or sprinting. It's one of the most researched supplements out there, with clear benefits for athletic individuals and growing evidence for brain and neurological health too.

The potential neurological benefits are an exciting area of research right now, with evidence emerging for enhanced short-term memory function, attention, and cognitive resilience during times of stress. Women tend to have lower creatine stores than men, due to less overall muscle mass and hormonal differences, which may mean they respond particularly well to supplementation.

Whilst it's possible to source creatine from the diet (mainly from animal products like red meat, poultry and fish), you'd need to eat a lot in order to get the same levels which have been shown to have beneficial effects in the research. So, should we all be supplementing?

At this stage, I think it's more of a 'nice-to-have' when compared to supplements like vitamin D or omega 3 if you're not an oily fish eater, with your money being better spend investing in a food-first approach. Quality really matters here, and monohydrate is the safest and most proven form, however, this can come at a cost. For anyone wanting to give this a try, Thorne is a great option here, however, I'd always recommend having a conversation with a health professional prior to starting any new supplements to ensure these don't interfere with any existing medications or health conditions.

If you're confused about supplements in general and wondering if you'd be benefitting from any additions, a Power Hour would be the perfect place to start, and you can book your session here.

Lottie x