over the years to see whether it has a positive effect on performance. However, there is anecdotal evidence that suggests creatine supplementation may be the cause of negative side effects such as dehydration, increase muscle cramping and an increase in blood pressure. One way the supplementation of creatine can be used is to help resynthesise ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) stores within the body in order to produce energy therefore the most common athletes to take creatine are high intensity power athletes. Such as those doing long distance events such as cycling, swimming and running, it may also be used as a way of recovery for sprinters. A study carried out by Kreider R.B et al 1998 concluded that there were increases in the performance of isotonic lifting and sprinting during agility after taking creatine supplements. Although creatine has been believed to help recovery, however research undertaken by Stroud, et al,1994, would suggest that there was no difference in the recovery periods. This review of literature will examine as to whether Creatine should be recommended to athletes based on current research.

Creatine is classifies as a nutritional supplement this is because it is a naturally occurring substance that occurs within the body and is produced by amino acids in the liver and kidneys, creatine is also used in order to aid the resynthasis of ATP. Creatine is also natural because and occurs in some foods, research carried out by Balsom et al. (1994) found that the food with the highest content was herring. Creatine can be brought in a variety of forms such as; gels, liquids, tablets and powders. It ca also be admitted intravenously for medical purposes.
As well as being used to improve performance there have been studies that suggest that creatine is also used for other things within the body such as, aiding full brain function as creatine can be found within the central and peripheral nervous system. This has been found when looking at an infant who had a movement disorder and when tested it was found the creatine metabolism error was the reason for this and when the infant had a cou