OFFICIAL NAMES: Creatine monohydrate, creatine phosphate

STREET NAMES: Legal steroid, muscle candy, ergogenic aid, performance-enhancing substance

DRUG CLASSIFICATIONS: Not scheduled, dietary supplement

Overview

Creatine was first discovered and isolated in muscle tissue in 1832 by French chemist Michel Chevreul. The compound is a naturally occurring, non-essential amino acid found in red meat, pork, dairy products, and fish. Most people take in approximately 1–2 grams (g) of dietary creatine from these sources daily (vegetarians somewhat less). Together, the kidneys, liver, and pancreas produce an additional 1–2 g of creatine daily, synthesized from the amino acids L-arginine, glycine, and L-methionine. Both creatine and phosphocreatine (which is creatine bound to phosphate; PCr, Crphos) are stored in skeletal muscle, organs, and body tissues. Phosphocreatine helps to power muscle contractions and decrease the amount of time the muscle takes to recover and "refuel."

Oral creatine supplements first gained popularity among athletes in...