Why must creatine supplementation include both a loading and a maintenance phase?

Creatine supplementation involves a loading phase followed by a maintenance phase primarily to ensure maximal saturation of muscle creatine stores. During the loading phase, typically lasting about 5 to 7 days, individuals take a higher dose of creatine to quickly elevate the creatine concentration in their muscles. This rapid saturation is essential as it allows the body to store more creatine, which can subsequently enhance performance during high-intensity exercise, particularly in activities relying on short bursts of energy.

Once the muscles have reached this saturation point, the maintenance phase utilizes a lower dosage of creatine to keep muscle levels elevated without the need for continual high doses. This method is efficient and helps athletes maintain the benefits of creatine without excessive supplementation.

While the other options may touch on various aspects of supplement usage, they do not directly explain the necessity of both phases in achieving optimal creatine saturation, which is the primary goal of this supplementation strategy.