Creatine is a substance that occurs naturally in our body. It is produced in our liver, kidneys, and pancreas, and transported to the brain and muscles, when rapid energy deployment is needed. It basically acts as a quick reserve energy boost when we’re running low in oxygen and blood sugar.
When taken as a supplement it serves as a nootropic, supplying energy to the whole body, as well as enhancing cognition and physical performance and protecting the heart and brain.
Creatine supplementation may be especially beneficial to boost the brains of vegetarians. A study showed that 4 days of creatine consumption produced improvements in memory for vegetarians compared to those who consumed meat, while for meat-eaters, creatine was associated with poorer memory.
A light dose consists of a maximum of 5 grams of creatine, while a strong dose is anything over 10 grams. Effects may be felt 30 minutes after consumption and last for up to 36 hours. Creatine’s half-life is 3 hours.
Creatine is a mild stimulant. The state of consciousness produced by the supplement can be characterized by a relaxed wakefulness and a sense of rejuvenation accompanied by enhanced thought connectivity and organization, focus, analysis, motivation, and memory.
The main risk associated with creatine is that the supplements of some brands may contain toxic impurities, including organic contaminants and heavy metals, which is why if you are considering trying creatine, look for a product that has been tested for contaminants.