Essentials of Creatine in Sports and Health

A great deal of misinformation is present in popular culture regarding the effects of creatine supplementation on health and sports performance. For instance, it is not uncommon for various media outlets to claim, in spite of the lack of supporting evidence, that 'supplementing with creatine is harmful to the liver and kidneys and may cause dehydration and cramping.' In reality, creatine is intimately involved in energy metabolism, performance, and training adaptations, and, recently, several studies have uncovered its potential clinical application toward treating various neuromuscular diseases and maintaining brain function. This book unifies the sum of information on how creatine affects body composition, exercise performance, and health. Because the body of data on creatine is ample and constantly growing, a book such as this is a timely and important resource for the clinician, the coach, and the sports scientist. Doody Review Services Reviewer: Terry L Grindstaff, DPT, ATC, SCS, CSCS(University of Virginia Health System) Description: Each chapter in this comprehensive overview of creatine can almost function as a standalone literature review or systematic review. Purpose: The purpose is to provide readers with background information on creatine as well as an overview of research related to a variety of populations. Specific populations are covered in each chapter. Audience: The book is directed at students, researchers, clinicians, and sports nutritionists. Individuals with graduate training in exercise physiology or nutrition will find the well referenced information useful. The editors and chapter authors are all established researchers, professors, and advanced practitioners. Features: The seven chapters can be divided into two broad categories: an overview of creatine and specific populations. Although the fact that each chapter can be read as a standalone article creates mild redundancy throughout the book, this only reinforces relevant information. Three chapters provide background information on creatine supplementation, metabolism, and use for general health. Four chapters provide excellent in-depth reviews for strength-power (anaerobic) sports, endurance (aerobic) sports, female athletes, and clinical populations (neurological pathologies, musculoskeletal injury, elderly). The chapter by Joan Eckerson, PhD, on creatine supplementation and women athletes is especially useful since the majority of creatine research has been conducted on men. All chapters are well referenced and a comprehensive index ends the book. Assessment: This is an excellent compilation of recent creatine research written by experts. Individuals with an understanding of creatine metabolism are most likely to appreciate this book. It provides a more in-depth review of creatine than Creatine: Nature's Muscle Builder , Sahelian and Tuttle (Avery Publishing Group, 1997). From the Publisher: A great deal of misinformation is present in popular culture regarding the effects of creatine supplementation on health and sports performance. For instance, it is not uncommon for various media outlets to claim, in spite of the lack of supporting evidence, that 'supplementing with creatine is harmful to the liver and kidneys and may cause dehydration and cramping.' In reality, creatine is intimately involved in energy metabolism, performance, and training adaptations, and, recently, several studies have uncovered its potential clinical application toward treating various neuromuscular diseases and maintaining brain function. This book unifies the sum of information on how creatine affects body composition, exercise performance, and health. Because the body of data on creatine is ample and constantly growing, a book such as this is a timely and important resource for the clinician, the coach, and the sports scientist. With all of the misinformation regarding the effects of creatine supplementation on health and sports performance, this book brings together the information on how creatine affects body composition, exercise performance, and health. Supported by the International Society of Sports Nutrition, this volume is timely and vital for all professionals in the field of sports nutrition.