Tag: Creatine transporter

Creatine, a crucial molecule for energy metabolism, is transported into cells by a specific protein. This protein, known as the creatine transport protein (SLC6A8), plays an indispensable role in supplying creatine to tissues with high energy demands, such as the brain and muscles. Its function is so vital that genetic mutations affecting it can lead to severe neurological and developmental disorders.

Creatine is naturally produced by the liver and kidneys and stored in muscle cells and the brain, yet a complete lack of this compound can cause profound developmental and neurological problems. Involuntary creatine deficiency does not occur from dietary choices alone, but rather from rare genetic conditions known as Cerebral Creatine Deficiency Syndromes (CCDS). Understanding what happens if your body has no creatine means looking at the critical roles it plays in cellular energy and how genetic defects disrupt this vital process.

Over 99% of ingested creatine monohydrate is absorbed into the bloodstream during digestion, making it highly bioavailable. Understanding how is creatine absorbed into the body can help optimize its use for enhanced muscle performance and growth.

Creatine is one of the most widely researched and effective performance-enhancing supplements, with studies showing it can increase muscle strength and size by a significant margin. However, many people wonder, 'Why is my body not absorbing creatine?' While true absorption issues are rare, the problem is often related to individual physiology or poor supplementation practices.