When you ingest creatine either from food or dietary supplements, it binds to a phosphate molecule to form creatine phosphate.*

As you probably know, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the body's primary energy source, and our bodies create ATP from the oxidation (“burning”) of carbohydrates, protein, and fat we obtain from our diet.*

So, how do we get energy from ATP?

Hydrolysis is a chemical process resulting in the breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water. When ATP is hydrolyzed (reacted with water) one of the high-energy phospho-anhydride bonds in ATP is broken, giving off a considerable amount of thermal energy which can then be used to perform work, such as contracting a muscle to lift a weight.*

After ATP is hydrolyzed, it now becomes ADP (adenosine diphosphate), since it has lost one of its phosphate groups.[11]*

From an energy-yielding standpoint, ADP is fairly useless, that is until it regains a phosphate group and becomes ATP once again.*

Now, here’s where the magic of creatine monohydrate comes in.*

Our muscles store creatine as creatine-phosphate (phospho-creatine). During the first few moments of intense exercise, our muscles rely on the phosphagen energy system, which consists of ATP stores and phosphocreatine stores.*

While this energy system excels at helping us perform powerfully explosive movements, it can only fuel top end performance for a brief amount of time (~10 seconds). Once your ATP stores are exhausted, your body switches over to oxidizing carbohydrates and fats to regenerate ATP.*

However, with greater creatine phosphate stores (like those obtained from supplementing with creatine monohydrate), the body’s ability to more rapidly regenerate ATP is enhanced, allowing you to maintain a higher level of performance for greater periods of time.

This allows muscles to increase their total workout output before succumbing to fatigue.*

Essentially, the main mechanism by which creatine enhances performance is through enhancing energy production.*

But that’s not all.

Creatine also enhances cellular hydration due to its osmotic properties. This encourages muscle cells to absorb and hold onto extra water.*

Improved cellular hydration promotes greater stamina, and it also has been noted to increase protein synthesis (which supports muscle growth).[12]*

Plus, when muscles are well-hydrated, they look bigger, fuller, and more pumped!*

Primeval Labs Creatine is stimulant-free and can be used in conjunction with any other Primeval Labs supplements.*

No*

Creatine is non-hormonal and does not need to be cycled.*

Creatine can be taken any time of day as its energy-boosting effects are the result of your muscles becoming saturated with creatine. That being said, we are fans of taking it post-workout as both insulin sensitivity and nutrient uptake by muscle cells is greater following exercise.*