What is a primary benefit of creatine during high force-output exercise?

Creatine serves as an immediate anaerobic energy source during high force-output exercise, making it a vital supplement for athletes engaged in activities that require short bursts of high intensity, such as sprinting, weightlifting, or high-intensity interval training. When muscle cells are saturated with creatine, they can quickly regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy carrier in cells. This regeneration occurs particularly during short-duration, high-intensity efforts that exceed the capacity of aerobic energy pathways.

In this context, creatine increases phosphocreatine stores within muscles, which facilitates the rapid resynthesis of ATP through the phosphagen energy system. This allows for sustained performance, reduced fatigue, and improved power output during successive efforts, making creatine particularly beneficial for athletes focused on strength and explosive activities.

While enhancements in aerobic capacity, fat oxidation, and muscle repair may occur indirectly through various training adaptations or increased performance, they are not the primary benefits of creatine supplementation during high force-output exercise.