by Mark J. Fine

James Collins, Arsenal’s head nutritionist, details new benefits of using creatine supplements in this month’s issue of Muscle and Fitness.

Creatine is an organic acid that is naturally produced in the body from glycine and arginine. It is a non-essential nutrient that supplies energy to various parts of the body, particularly to muscles and the brain.

Creatine supplements have been used to support the growth of muscle mass in athletes and bodybuilders, when provided in safe doses of within 20 grams per day.

In the July 2015 issue of Muscle and Fitness magazine, Collins reports on a new study that looks at its effect on brain activity.

The study suggests that when given 20 grams per day, creatine helps to increase an athlete’s concentration and temperament under stressful situations.

It goes on to also suggest that such performance is increased and protects against conditions where athletes are travelling, deprived of oxygen, or deprived of sleep.

The study also indicates that creatine may also be used to treat neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, where energy levels of the brain are notably decreased.

In the same issue, Collins also reported on a separate study to understand beta-alanine supplements, which provide performance benefits from enhancing the muscle’s ability to relax quicker vice increasing strength.