What are creatine supplements and what do they do?

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that supplies energy to muscles. According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), creatine monohydrate is one of the “most effective ergogenic nutritional supplements currently available to athletes with the intent of increasing high-intensity exercise capacity and lean body mass during training”. But it’s not just for elite athletes – people who regularly work out can benefit too and not just those who do power sports, such as weightlifting.

“There are many benefits of creatine,” including, senior performance nutritionist for England Senior Women’s Rugby. “Creatine supplementation combined with resistance training in elderly populations has also demonstrated some favourable effects on muscle mass, strength, physical performance and bone mineral density.”