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Creatine has been a popular supplement in powerlifting circles for years. Now, it's popping up as a great option for health-conscious women over 50-even if they have zero interest in lifting weights.

- —by BRENDA KEARNS

Not surprisingly, supplement brands are jumping on board, offering creatine in a variety of dosages, flavors and formulations. Could it be a smart supplement for you? Here's what you need to know.

What is it?

Despite all the hype, creatine isn't some clever laboratory invention—it's a natural substance that your body makes using the amino acids in your diet. It's also found in small amounts in protein-rich foods such as red meat, poultry and fish. “Once creatine soaks into tissues, it helps them produce a key energy molecule called ATP,” explains integrative medicine physician Greg Burzynski, M.D., founder of the resTOR Longevity Clinic in Houston, Texas. “And that boost in cellular energy production is the foundation for how creatine enhances our health and vitality.”

What first made creatine so popular?