Although creatine works best if used in conjunction with exercise, it also increases muscle mass without exercising. In part, this is because water is driven into cells which plumps them up. Some body builders scoff at this but a cell with ample fluid is anabolic. A dehydrated cell is catabolic. In other words, a cell with enough water is stronger, divides and reproduces better, and is less likely to die.
Dehydrated cells do the opposite.
This property makes it ideal for situations in which lean tissue is lost such as dieting, or wasting diseases like cancer or AIDS . It is also great for conditions like injuries which immobilize a person for long periods of time. Although studies are only now underway, Creatine may help restore heart strength in patients with CHF or congestive heart failure . One study showed that daily doses of 5 to 10 grams improved muscular strength by 10 to 15 percent in patients with neuromuscular ailments. In another study in mice, it not only strengthened their muscles but they also lived longer.