Quote (bnrhodes2 @ Nov 21 2010 05:34pm)
is this the only reason that creatine assists in gains?
i always understood that it helps in another way that is much more important than the swelling properties
Essentially creatine helps release ATP by transferring the active phosphate in its chemical compound. Creatine stores fuel additional ATP production when under muscular or cardiovascular stress.
Creatine does assist in intramuscular water uptake, which gives the muscles that swollen or sometimes bloated look - however that also increases the protein and nutrient uptake and synthesis in the muscles as well which thus accelerates their growth.
Basically, creatine increases ATP which improves strength and muscular endurance (which further improves strength when you take advantage of this) and also increases the rate and efficiency by which nutrients are taken into the muscles.
This is the most basic explanation I can give at this bleary eyed hour =)