Creatine vs. Keratin — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 4, 2024
Creatine is a compound aiding in energy production in muscles, while keratin is a protein key to hair, nails, and skin structure.
Difference Between Creatine and Keratin
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Creatine, naturally found in muscle cells, helps your muscles produce energy during heavy lifting or high-intensity exercise. Keratin, on the other hand, is a protective protein that is less prone to scratching or tearing than other types of cells your body produces.
Creatine is synthesized from amino acids and can be consumed through certain foods or supplements to enhance physical performance and muscle growth. While keratin is the primary structural material making up hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin. Keratin can also be found in internal organs and glands.
Creatine plays a crucial role in energy production within muscle cells, enhancing physical performance and muscle mass. It is particularly beneficial for short bursts of high-intensity activities. Keratin contributes to the strength and health of hair, nails, and skin. It provides structural integrity and protection against physical damage, chemicals, and environmental factors.
Supplementation with creatine can increase its concentration in muscles, potentially leading to improved strength, increased muscle mass, and faster recovery during exercise. Keratin treatments for hair can improve smoothness, shine, and resistance to damage.
Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Energy production in muscles
Structural protein for hair, nails, skin
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Location
Muscle cells
Hair, nails, skin, internal organs
Benefits
Enhances physical performance, muscle mass
Strengthens hair, nails, skin
Source
Synthesized in body, supplements, foods
Body production, treatments, supplements
Usage in Body
Muscular energy and performance
Protection and structural integrity
Compare with Definitions
Creatine
A nitrogenous organic acid that helps supply energy to cells, especially muscle cells.
Athletes often supplement with creatine for improved performance.
Keratin
A form of keratin found in mammals, making up hair and nails.
Alpha-keratin's helical structure gives hair and nails their rigidity.
Creatine
The most common form of creatine supplement, known for its role in improving strength and muscle mass.
Creatine monohydrate is popular among bodybuilders for its effectiveness.
Keratin
A form of keratin found in birds and reptiles, contributing to the toughness of scales and feathers.
The presence of beta-keratin is what makes bird feathers and reptile scales so resilient.
Creatine
The practice of consuming extra creatine to increase muscle stores of phosphocreatine.
Creatine supplementation is common among athletes seeking to boost their energy levels during intense workouts.
Keratin
A chemical process that smooths and shines hair by temporarily infusing it with keratin.
After a keratin treatment, her hair was noticeably smoother and more manageable.
Creatine
A form of stored energy in the muscles, utilized during high-intensity physical activity.
Phosphocreatine levels increase with creatine supplementation, enhancing short-term performance.
Keratin
Cells that produce keratin, making up a significant portion of the outer layer of skin.
Keratinocytes are crucial for the skin's protective barrier against environmental damage.
Creatine
An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of creatine and uses adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to create phosphocreatine.
Elevated creatine kinase levels can indicate muscle damage or stress.
Keratin
A type of protein found in hair, nails, and skin, providing strength and protection.
Keratin treatments are used to smooth and strengthen hair.
Creatine
Creatine ( or ) is an organic compound with the nominal formula (H2N)(HN)CN(CH3)CH2CO2H. This species exists in various modifications (tautomers) in solution. Creatine is found in vertebrates where it facilitates recycling of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell, primarily in muscle and brain tissue.
Keratin
(protein) The protein of which hair and nails are composed.
Creatine
A compound, C4H9N3O2, that is found in the muscle tissue of vertebrates mainly in the form of phosphocreatine and that is involved in storing and supplying energy for muscle contraction.
Keratin
Keratin () is one of a family of fibrous structural proteins known as scleroproteins. α-Keratin is a type of keratin found in vertebrates.
Creatine
(amino acid) An amino acid, 2-(carbamimidoyl-methyl- amino)acetic acid, which naturally occurs in vertebrates and helps to supply energy to muscle and nerve cells.
Keratin
A fibrous protein forming the main structural constituent of hair, feathers, hoofs, claws, horns, etc.
Creatine
An amino acid that does not occur in proteins but is found in the muscle tissue of vertebrates both in the free form and as phosphocreatine; supplies energy for muscle contraction
Keratin
Material composed principally of keratin proteins.
Keratin
A fibrous scleroprotein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin and in horny tissues such as hair feathers nails and hooves
Common Curiosities
How does creatine work?
Creatine works by increasing the availability of phosphocreatine, a stored energy source for high-intensity physical activities.
What is creatine?
Creatine is a compound that helps supply energy to muscle and nerve cells.
How does keratin benefit hair?
Keratin strengthens hair, reduces frizz, and increases shine and smoothness.
What is keratin?
Keratin is a protective protein found in hair, nails, and skin.
Is keratin good for all hair types?
Keratin can benefit most hair types, especially frizzy or damage-prone hair.
Can creatine improve athletic performance?
Yes, creatine can improve strength, power, and high-intensity exercise performance.
Can keratin treatments damage hair?
If overused or improperly applied, keratin treatments can damage hair.
How often should you use creatine?
Daily supplementation is common, but follow the product guidelines or consult a professional.
Can keratin be found in foods?
Dietary keratin is not available; however, foods high in protein support the body's production of keratin.
Can anyone use creatine supplements?
While most people can safely use creatine, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider first.
How long do the effects of creatine supplementation last?
The performance benefits of creatine supplementation can last as long as supplementation is continued.
Is keratin safe for colored hair?
Yes, but it's advisable to choose a treatment designed for colored hair to prevent fading.
Are there vegan sources of creatine?
Creatine is not found in plant foods; supplements are the primary vegan source.
What are keratin treatments?
Keratin treatments are salon procedures that infuse hair with keratin to smooth and strengthen it.
Does creatine cause weight gain?
Creatine can cause temporary weight gain due to increased water retention in muscles.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
