How does Creatine prevent lactic acid build-up?

June 10, 2006 Posted 12:42 am

During resistance training, the glycogen breakdown process has a side effect of the development of lactic-acid.  This is the substance that is responsible for the intense burn that is felt during exercise and the fatigue of the muscle.  Creatine phosphate acts as a ‘’buffer'’ to lactic acid build up. As mentioned earlier, creatine phosphate aids in the production of ATP.  This process consumes large amounts of hydrogen ions which are released by lactic acid and can build up in muscle cells during intense exercise. These excess hydrogen ions interfere with muscle contractions, but creatine phosphates “buffering” action helps to delay fatigue allowing for longer workouts.