Creatine while cutting?

[TheRussian]

I've just began cutting yesterday, and was curious if it's a good idea to start loading on creatine (never tried it before), or if I should do it on my next bulking cycle?

I know it has no calories, but still wondering if it's a good time for it now.

thanks.

[mmacubed]

You are going to retain water!!!!!!

[TheRussian]

What about MASS?

[redsquirrel]

It also some sugars in it that are not good for cutting

[Jordan]

yep thats true... creating gives you big, bulky muscles... if your cutting you want sharp, chisled muscles

[TheRussian]

thanks guys. i'll keep it out for now.. cutting is freaking hard! i've been feeling like shit ever since i lowered my caloric intake by 1000 cals or so.

[D Animal]

So what does creatine do?
Now is when the fun begins. First, before we answer this question - understand that the theory of what creatine does - is just that - theory. It is amazing how little we actually know about what goes on in our body. Anyway, we will outline what the majority of research currently agrees on in terms of what role creatine plays in our body.
1. Provide additional energy for your muscles

Time for a quick and simple biology lesson. In your body you have a compound called ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate). Think of ATP as an energy containing compound. What is important to know about ATP is that the body can very quickly get energy from a ATP reaction. You have other sources of energy such as carbohydrates and fat - but they take longer to convert into a useable energy source. When you are doing an intense quick burst activity - such as lifting a weight or sprinting, your muscles must contract and need a quick source of energy. This immediate energy comes from ATP.

Okay - still with us? Here is where it gets interesting. When your muscles use ATP for energy a chemical process happens where the ATP is broken down into two simpler chemicals ADP (adenosine di-phosphate) and inorganic phosphate. This process of ATP turning into ADP releases the energy which gives your muscles the ability to contract. Unfortunately, we do not have an endless supply of ATP. In fact, your muscles only contain enough ATP to last about 10-15 seconds at maximum exertion. In case you were wondering - no, the ADP can not be used to create more energy for your muscles.

Here is where the creatine comes in - or more specifically the creatine phosphate (CP). We don't want to go into great detail on creatine vs. creatine phosphate now (that is in a later article) - all you need to know now is that the majority of creatine that is stored in the muscles bonds with abundant phosphorus stores in the muscles and is converted into Creatine Phosphate (CP). CP is able to react with the ADP in your body and turn "useless" ADP back into the "super useful" energy source - ATP. More ATP in your body means more fuel for your muscles.

2. Volumization of your muscles

Looks like we just made up that word -Volumization - doesn't it? Actually, it's just a fancy name for the process of pulling fluid into the muscle cells and thus increasing the volume of the muscles. Creatine has been shown to pull water into your muscle cells, which increases the size of your muscles. Don't get to excited - it is not clear how great an effect this has. Point #1 is a much clearer benefit of creatine.

3. Buffer Lactic Acid build-up

New research has shown that creatine can help buffer lactic acid that builds-up in the muscles during exercise. This leads to that nasty burning feel you get in your muscles. Scientifically it is a complicated process - basically the creatine bonds with a Hydrogen ion and that helps delay the build up of lactic acid. More research needs to be done to see if this point is true.

4. Enhances Protein Synthesis

There is some data to indicate that creatine helps put the body in a more anabolic state where protein synthesis can occur. The more protein synthesis - the greater the muscle gain.

Well - there you have what creatine does in a very simplified nutshell. Of all 4 points - point #1 is the most use of creatine in the body. The other points are more debated - but still look to be valid.

Back to the point, if the muscles are around 72% water to begin with, why would anyone think that creatine would ruin definition? It doesn't. I know that may be hard for some of you to believe considering there seems to be a large problem with understanding what water actually does in your body. Water doesn't JUST sit under your skin. More of it in muscles would not do anythjing but make those muscles larger. Why would that water blur definition while the original 72% didn't? It makes up 80% of the blood and bodily fluids running through it. You might as well drain your blood while you are at it if you think creatine is doing this. Definition comes from body fat levels, not by draining water from muscle which is what most of your muscle is made of in the first place.

I got this from a wise man :-d