The Biochemistry of Creatine

Abstract

Creatine is a naturally occurring metabolite that is synthesized endogenously and absorbed from the diet. This chapter explores the biochemistry of creatine, its role in the creatine kinase/phosphocreatine energy shuttle and support of buffering, transport, and regulation of cellular energetics. Dysfunctional brain creatine metabolism occurs in creatine deficiency syndromes and other neurological disorders outlined in this chapter. The therapeutic potential of creatine supplementation to improve neural energy metabolism and the role of MRS in examining creatine energetics are discussed. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.