Vegan athletes tend to have lower creatine stores than athletes who eat meat.

CNN: Will eating meat help recovery after long runs?

Creatine has become popular among athletes tempted by claims that it can increase power without the side-effects associated with anobolic steroids.

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Athletes are also barred from human growth hormone, which reputably helps with injury recovery, but they have free use of muscle-building creatine.

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Red meat (and white meat) are also sources of natural creatine.

CNN: Will eating meat help recovery after long runs?

Creatine assists with recovery from repeated hard exercise.

CNN: Will eating meat help recovery after long runs?