ELI5 Creatine - what makes it so popular and does it really make you stronger?

What is creatine, and how does it work in our body during high-intensity activities like sprinting or weightlifting? Did you know creatine boosts ATP production, our body's immediate energy source, amplifying performance in short, intense workouts? What unique role does creatine play in muscle recovery and growth, especially regarding myosatellite cells? Is it true that creatine can lead to an increase in muscle volume by retaining water? Can creatine supplement usage extend beyond athletic performance, possibly benefiting neurological conditions like Parkinson's and ALS?

... we explain like I'm five

Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: wasirong, db0255, din0saurusrex_, fh3131, wild_ad2899, rubseb, xsignia, superhazem.

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Explain Like I'm Five, aka ELI5, is the mini-podcast series where we take the questions you always wanted to ask, and talk about them in a way that is easy to understand. Made possible by the amazing reddit community at r/explainlikeimfive. See episode show notes for user credits.

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