Creatine Kinase - CK

Let's clear up all the creatine kinase terms

The terms creatine kinase (CK), and creatine phosphokinase are the same thing.

It can also be referred to as creatinine kinase.

It is not a type of supplement form like creatine monohydrate.

This is an enzyme.

An enzyme is a catalytic protein.

What this means is that it helps speed up a chemical reaction between two molecules.

Enzymes can cause the conversion of molecules over and over. It "helps" a chemical reaction to occur.

Basically, CK helps convert creatine into phosphocreatine. It does this by converting ATP into ADP.

ATP is adenosine triphosphate. When you perform any type of exercise, your muscles use ATP.

If you want, you can think of this as an energy molecule. If you were a car, it would be your fuel.

Can you remember working out your biceps or chest and not being able to perform another rep? Well, all your ATP has been used up. ATP has turned into ADP (adenosine diphosphate).

Your muscles have run out of gas.

CK is an important enzyme in the process of turning creatine into phosphocreatine. It reacts chemically to turn ADP back into ATP. Thus, it helps the process of re fueling your energy levels.

You may have heard of a CK test

People usually require this when they have had some type of muscle injury. Most creatine is found in muscles, therefore a high amount of creatine in the blood indicates some type of muscle injury.

Many times people have muscle cramps or sore necks and when they get a CK test, they find that their creatine levels in their blood are very high.

You might want to get a CK test to check if you have a muscle disorder. Most times a high level of creatine in your blood is due to some type of muscle problem.

For a better understanding of creatine, visit the creatine facts page.