Creatine (Cr) is a popular dietary supplement used by athletes to increase athletic performance, muscle mass and strength. Creatine was first discovered in “1835, when a French scientist reported discovering this constituent of meat” (Demant & Rhodes, 1999). This organic compound is manufactured endogenously by the liver and kidneys “from the amino acids glycine, arginine and methionine” for energy stipulation during muscle contraction. (Arazi, Rahmaninia, Hoseini and Asadi, 2011). Creatine is either converted to the free form Cr or to the phosphorylated form called creatine phosphate (CP). Endogenous production and exogenous consumption of Cr produce approximately 1 gram per day for the average person (Cooper, Naclerio, Allfrove, & Jimenez, 2012). In its free form, Cr is used to regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) via the phosphorylcreatine kinase (PCK) shuttle. This shuttle is the process by which an ATP molecule is split to generate energy and a new molecule, called adenosine diphosphate (ADP). For the PCK shuttle to continue, ADP and CP are combined to rebuild ATP molecules for future energy use. Creatine as a nutritional supplement (exogenous induction) has been shown to have positive effects on strength and muscle development, but over time decreases endogenous Cr synthesis in the body. The role of Cr in the body proves that it is an essential component for short duration and high intensity activities. It is important for the athlete to understand the physiological and ergogenic effects of Cr before attempting exogenous creatine supplementation. Athletes consume Cr as an ergogenic aid to increase athletic performance, muscle density, muscle power, as well as to buffer and inhibit phosphofructokinase during physical activity. The mo...... middle of paper ......2010). Effects of 28 days of creatine ingestion on muscle metabolism and performance in a simulated road cycling race. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 7(26), 1-13Lugaresi, R., Leme, M., de Salles Painelli, V., Murai, I., Roschel, H., Sapienza, M., Lancha, A. and Gualano, B. (2013 ) Does long-term creatine supplementation impair kidney function in resistance-trained individuals eating a high-protein diet. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 10(26), 1-6Rahimi, R., Faraji, H., Vatani, D. and Qaderi, M. (2010). Creatine supplementation alters the hormonal response to resistance exercise. Kinesiology 42(1), 28-35Rawson, E., Persky, A., Price, T. and Clarkson, P. (2004). Effect of repeated creatine supplementation on muscle, plasma and urine creatine levels. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 18(1), 162-167