Abstract This paper talks about the supplement, Creatine which is now one of the most popular supplements on the market. It discusses what it is and what it does, and how this controversial supplement can affect the lives of anyone who takes it.
From the paper:
"The first question that pops into your mind when you are about to take something new that you haven?t yet heard of is, "what's in this".
Creatine is a compound that can be made in our bodies or taken as a dietary supplement. The chemical name for Creatine is methyl guanidine-acetic acid. Creatine is made up of three amino acids - Arginine, Glycine and Methionine. Our liver has the ability to combine these three amino acids and make creatine. The other way we get creatine is from our diet (Absolute Creatine)."
Abstract The paper studies the use of the nutrient creatine to assist with muscle building, particularly in the area of weight lifting. It reviews research on the topic of whether oral creatine increases maximal strength and power. The author concludes that oral creatine supplements combined with resistance training does improve maximal weight life in young men.
From the Paper "Creatine is a nutrient made from three amino acids which is found in body muscles, Sahelian. There have been many claims that taking creatine supplements can assist with muscle building a fact that makes it of key ..."
Abstract This paper examines the use of creatine monohydrate as a dietary supplement, which dates back as far as the 1920s. The supplement was used by athletes in Europe before its recent debut in the U.S. which is aimed at athletes and body builders. Creatine monohydrate is an amino acid derivative that is formed in the liver, kidneys and pancreas from the amino acids arginine, glycine and methionine. Creatine monohydrate can also be obtained from food, particularly red meat. The musculature of the body has the ability to store more creatine than is used in a typical diet. Athletes take advantage of this ability by literally stuffing a muscle with creatine. This allows for expanded storage and the swifter conversion into adenosine triphosphate. Used over a protracted period of time, the result will be greater hypertrophy and the ability to sustain a longer and more intense workout. It is believed that creatine has a direct anabolic effect on the muscles by acting as a signal to increase protein synthesis during activity overload. This paper focuses on the controversy surrounding the use of the supplement. While supposed links between creatine and the deaths of several wrestlers have been disproved, studies have nonetheless shown that heavy loading is unnecessary and may be counterproductive, if not dangerous.
Table of Contents:
How Creatine Monohydrate Works
Why the Controversy?
Creatine and the Kidneys
The Best Way to Use Creatine Creatine and Androstenedione
Scientific Studies of Creatine Use
Is It Good or Is It Bad?
Summary
Bibliography
From the Paper "There is a school of though that suggest a phased method of creatine use. A high dosage is used for five days, with the ingesting of as much as 20 grams per day in four doses. The dosage is then reduced to a level just high enough to keep the muscles loaded. Research has indicated that this regimen is not as effective as it was originally thought to be. Continuing to take his doses of creatine after the muscles are saturated will result in the elimination of creating the rough the urinary tract. The increased urinary excretion places stress on the kidneys and liver. Tests have shown that in a loading phase, creatine efficacy peaks at day six and its effects begin to decrease from that time. On the other hand a steady creatine uptake without loading lasts through day 15 and positive effects can last for up to 56 days."
Tags: body, builders, athletes, drugs, anabolic, steroids, risk, death
Abstract This paper describes the athletic and medicinal uses of creatine supplements. The paper further explains the many benefits of creatine supplements, as well as their potential negative side-effects. The paper concludes that, while creatine clearly has certain benefits, anyone considering a program of creatine supplementation should not make a decision without fully weighing both the advantages and disadvantages of such a program, and further, such a program should not be undertaken without the supervision of a physician.
From the Paper "Creatine is an amino acid that is bound to phosphate, to form phosphocreatine or creatine phosphate, and is stored in muscles as a form of energy. During high intensity exercise, the phosphocreatine is metabolized, and the energy released from the broken bond is used to regenerate adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which is the body's primary energy source. As the stored phosphocreatine is depleted during a bout of exercise, the body is no longer able to sustain the same intensity of activity. By supplementing the body's natural stores of phosphocreatine with creatine supplements then, theoretically the body should be able to sustain high intensity exercise for longer periods of time and therefore see more muscular gains."
Abstract This paper discusses how, although the research remains inconclusive on the issue, some observers have suggested that creatine use by young people adversely affects heat tolerance during exercise and therefore contributes to heat-related deaths in sports. To this end, this paper provides a review of the refereed literature to develop a background of heat-related injuries and the impact of creatine use on heat-related deaths. A summary of the research and salient findings is presented in the conclusion.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview.
Impact of Creatine Use on Young Athletes
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are a number of reasons why young athletes may be less heat tolerant during periods of exercise in hot, dry environments than their adult counterparts. According to Haymes, exercising in hot environments means that many children will achieve their maximal heart rates during periods of moderate-intensity exercise, but girls tend to experience more heat-related problems. While some studies have shown that the incidence of heat-related injuries was approximately the same in girls and boys during the summer months, there are some physiological differences that may play a role in contributing to higher rates of heat-related injuries for girls than boys (Haymes, 2003)."
Abstract This paper looks at the make-up of the drug, creatine, officially called creatine monohydrate. The writer explains that this drug is generally taken by body builders, as it raises the tolerance level for harder training and helps provide more intense muscular stimulus for growth. The paper shows how the drug works and looks at the positive and negative side effects of taking it.
From the Paper "The benefits from creatine appear mostly to be in the field of anaerobic sports, such as weight lifting, sprinting and jumping (Lifelink). The muscle energy it produces in aerobic athletes seems to be offset by weight gain from additional water and muscle. Creatine builds muscle in that it enables the individual to train harder, and therefore, has little effect or impact on sedentary individual. But a 2003 study revealed that subjects who suffered from muscular dystrophy and used creatine experienced increased strength in the legs, hands and feet."
Abstract A number of ergogenic substances are used to augment performance in a given domain today. In sports, such substances are generally used to assist athletes in performing with more speed and strength and to endure more pain than normal. An example of an ergogenic aid is creatine. This innocuous chemical has also assumed some new relevance in amateur and professional sport settings, and its use in a training regimen has been called into question in recent months. To this end, this paper provides a review of the relevant literature to determine precisely what creatine is, how it is used, and what its implications for athletes might be. A summary of the research and recommendations for its use are provided in the conclusion.
From the Paper "The competition is tough, certainly, but because sports programs are supposed to promote a healthier lifestyle, the social circumstances of adolescents and their athletic participation greatly influence their substance use behaviors; as a result, promoting a social climate among athletics that promotes a chemical supplementation regimen in place of more traditional exercise and healthy living factors smacks of hypocrisy, is contrary to logic, and makes no sense in an otherwise-zero tolerance drug enforcement setting."
Abstract With the renewed emphasis on longevity, good health and performance, much public attention and scientific research ? and commercial activity ?has been focused on the role of creatine and whey protein on bodybuilding and health, particularly of athletes. This paper examines the effects of whey protein on the body. It discusses findings of research done on athletes to show how whey protein improves their performance. The paper also explores the useful applications from ingredients derived from whey protein.
From the Paper "Separate researches on the value of creatine on muscular and nervous diseases discovered its probable value in alleviating symptoms, such as muscle weakness and fatigue, rather than treat the diseases. These diseases include Lou Gehrig's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and congestive heart failure. A study on mice at the Harvard Medical School and Cornell University bolstered previous studies and suggested that creatine may protect against Lou Gehrig's disease, having observed its efficacy at twice as that of an FDA-prescription drug, Riluzole, for treating the disease (Annussek). The usual dosage of creatine is 10-30 grams daily in several doses for four to six days, and a maintenance dose of 2-5 grams daily. There are as yet no known harmful effects of ingesting creatine, but kidney patients, young people below 16 and pregnant and breastfeeding women are cautioned against taking it for lack of sufficient medical findings of safety on their group."
Abstract This paper explores the use of creatine as a sports supplement. The paper examines the long term problems that have been associated with its use, as well as the many benefits that it can provide including treatment for several diseases and disorders.
Outline:
Introduction
Uses
How It Works
Using It To Treat Disease
Refuting Possible Problems
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are several promising studies when it comes to the use of creatine for the treatment of certain diseases and disorders . One of the most promising areas of use that is currently being researched is the effect of creatine on neuromuscular diseases. These include Muscular Sclerosis, and Muscular Dystrophy. One study examined results of using creatine with muscular dystrophy by using a placebo with some participants and the supplement with others. The double blind study indicated that there was muscle improvement in those that received the creatine. "
"Another extremely promising area of research is in the use of creatine for neurological disorders. ALS has shown positive results when using creatine to slow the progression of the disease. "
Abstract This paper examines the issue of performance enhancing drugs in the form of over the counter nutritional supplements. In particular it talks about ephedra, androstenedione (andro) and creatine within the context of the sports world today. It discusses the pharmacology of all three, their health risks and why the NCAA have chosen to legalize or illegalize these three drugs. They are all legal to purchase without a prescription, but ephedra and androstenedione have been banned by a majority of sports governing bodies and creatine has caused more problems than any nutritional aid has ever caused a sport governing body.
From the Paper "Androstenedione is also known as Andro or the Mark McGuire drug. Shortly after breaking the homerun record, "Big Mac" came out and said that he used the supplement to gain a competitive advantage. Andro gives an athlete this "competitive edge" by working in a way similar to anabolic steroids. It is what is called a pro-hormone. It is part of the final product, testosterone. The supplement is supposed to increase the amount of testosterone in men much the same way as anabolics, but with out going to the extremes of pure anabolic steroids. A person could think of it as light steroids, except for the fact that it doesn?t work. It has been proven however to increase the levels of estrogen in the male system. This can cause many steroid like side effects, but without steroid like strength gains (Sports, 2001). "
This paper explores the risks of using the artificial drug supplements, Creatine and Androstenedione, which are believed to have athletic enhancing properties.
2,920 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 86.95
Abstract This paper discusses that 60 percent of athletes in high school and college sports use artificial supplements to gain weight mass and to become stronger faster. After his research, the author believes firmly that these supplements should be banned from athletics all together. The paper states that fans don?t care as long as they are entertained and are having fun at games. Coaches just want their teams to be successful, which sometimes includes doing other forms of training or aids to help the athletes.
From the Paper "According to this article, Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid in everyone's body. It is taken to significantly enhance reserves in your muscle fuel tank, allowing you to work out longer and more intensely. Creatine monohydrate, the most common form of creatine, is commercially available as powder, gum, candy, tablets, and gel. It is available in pure form or combined with other dietary supplements (e.g. carbohydrates, amino acids, electrolytes, and/or herbal preparations). There is no evidence to show that it's anabolic--that is, that it's going to build muscle in and of itself. But it could lead to modest muscle gain because it allows you to work out harder. Androstenedione is a sex steroid hormone, which is converted in your body to testosterone."
Abstract This paper examines how there are many different types of performance-enhancing substances available in a variety of markets, some legal and some illegal, some targeted toward athletes and some employed more often for recreational usage. It looks at how, despite the many questions that arise while examining issues relating to substance use in athletics, there is still a failure to examine the multitude and magnitude of negative consequences that can potentially follow any use of performance-enhancing substances, legal or otherwise.
Outline
Introduction
Who Uses Performance-Enhancing Substances
Different Types of Performance-Enhancing Substances
Preventative Measures Against Performance-Enhancing Substance Use
Monitoring Performance-Enhancing Substance Use
Interventions for Performance-Enhancing Substance Use
From the Paper "Parents should be aware of possible signs that their children are using performance-enhancing substances. If they become worried about substance use, there are a number of interventions that can be utilized. However, performance-enhancing substance use is also monitored on an official level by organizations such as the NCAA. According to Copeland (2002), the testing program utilized by the NCAA was modeled after that in place for Olympic drug testing, with the exception that the International Olympic Committee does not issue sanctions on athletes for some infringements of drug policies. "
Abstract This paper explains that steroid use has increased significantly in the past five years due to the increased competition in sports. The author points out that anabolic steroids enhance an athlete's overall performance; however, the consequences of using steroids are not worth the dangers to which athletes subject their bodies and integrity. The paper reports that steroid use in high school athletes is growing rapidly as young athletes see professionals as role models that are willing to risk their health by taking steroids to achieve athletic goals. The author relates that anabolic steroids are banned in all sports in the United States and most of the world; however, this has not stopped athletes from trying to receive a competitive edge via steroid use. The paper underscores that the reason many athletes are willing to do steroids is because of lack of tough penalties.
From the Paper "In many sports, such as Major League Baseball, athletes are allowed many strikes and receive fines for using steroids. The current first strike offense in baseball is The policy says that the penalty for a first positive test for steroids is "a 10-day suspension or up to a $10,000 fine", and there is no public identification of players who are fined rather than suspended. Baseball has said that first-time offenders would be publicly identified as having failed a test in addition to a suspension. In the NFL, steroid use is banned. Players are randomly tested, and those testing positive could face game suspensions."
Tags:creatine, weightlifters, example, penalties, cancer
Abstract This paper explains that, because performance enhancing drugs promote rapid muscle growth that result in loss of immune system structure, they pose a considerable health risk to the athlete. Nonetheless, steroids and nutritional supplements have been widely used by professional athletes and teen athletes to enhance physical appearance, increase muscle mass and size and give more energy thus improving performance. The paper points out the social problems created by these drugs and describes programs that attempt to curtail the use.
Table of Contents:
Health Risks; Benefits vs. Adverse Health Effects
Society Effects of Performance Enhancing Substances
Education and Youth
College and Professional Athletics
Overall Implications of Athletes Using Performance Enhancing Substances
From the Paper "The risks of using these supplements out weigh the benefits. Creatine is one over the counter supplement that has many side effects including stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and muscle cramps, kidney, liver or heart problems and possibly high blood pressure. When taking these supplements the muscles begin to draw water away from the rest of the body and this can cause serious dehydration. Another supplement, Androstenedione, which has been banned and is considered "a controlled substance", has negative side effects as well testicular atrophy in males and lessened sperm count."
Tags: energy aggressive programs, immune system, creatine
