it increases muscle stores of creatine which may result in an increase of muscle size and better recovery.

Creatine needs to be loaded first usually by taking 4-5 doses throughout the day for 5 days.

You then take a maintenance dose 1-2 times a day of which one is best taken post workout with high glycemic carbohydrates.

Another thing is Creatine will work better for some than others, not for me but a few friends use it to good effect and swear by it. You may also notice more effect during the loading phase.

If you do give it a go Stu make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.

The blurb as you say is just that....blurb to hype up a product, any product .....some good, some shite. But there are no magic pills or posions at the end of the day just supplements to make things that little bit easier!

And as far as I am aware there are no documented studies or reports from long term usage but a break is recommended for maximum results, all this will be clear on the tub.

Creatine is quite a cheap product to supplement with just make sure you go for quality creapure product.

Hope that helps.