Spartan Nutrition has recently added its own creatine variant to the product mix in the form of a Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder and it has been creating quite a stir. However, despite the plenitude of research that has gone into creatine and its many claims, many questions still abound among fitness enthusiasts, scientists and regular persons alike.

Common questions include:

- “Does creatine work?”

- “What are the benefits and side effects of taking creatine?”

- “Which is the best type of creatine?”

While much of the research done by the FDA and others is inconclusive, there is no doubt that the metabolite has proven itself to be a vital catalyst for muscle growth. The human body already contains creatine which is stored in major muscle groups, including skeletal and cardiac muscles, as creatine phosphate. While this assists with providing energy, it is not nearly enough for rigorous activities such as lifting weights or other vigorous exercise routines. Adding creatine to the diet gives that extra boost for quick energy release and helps the muscles retain water which contribute to their growth. Bodybuilders find the muscle growth and extra energy as desirous attributes, hence creatine’s popularity.

Other benefits from using creatine include studies which show that it is effective in treating disorders such as muscular dystrophy and several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). It should be noted, as pointed out by Ryan A. Wright in an online article, positive creatine effects are not realized by just taking the product, as it has to be combined with proper nutrition and exercise to get the expected results.

As it relates to negative effects, creatine monohydrate side effects include: adverse reactions when used by asthmatics and persons with known creatine allergies. It was also widely believed to cause muscle cramping and diarrhea but recent studies have discredited those notions. Substantive studies have also been carried out to investigate reports about creatine intake causing liver or kidney damage, with different studies refuting each other. While studies are ongoing and inconclusive, excessive use (abuse) of creatine often results in: weight gain, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and upset stomach.

Athletes are always trying to find the best creatine supplements. Some of the many variants include: Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine Serum, Creatine Ethyl Ester, Effervescent Creatine, Creatine Citrate, among others. Today, the top creatine supplement is still Creatine Monohydrate due to its relative low-cost, purity and effectiveness. A newer type, Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder is even more effective due to its finer particles which absorbs 20 times faster into the body.

As mentioned earlier, Spartan Nutrition has released its own Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder which, apart from the benefits, is all natural and has been widely reviewed by customers on Amazon.