Creatine Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Creatine is a natural chemical produced by the body. Fish and meats are natural sources of creatine, and it can also be manufactured in labs. Professional and amateur athletes use creatine supplements to improve high-intensity performance and increase muscle mass. Creatine has been endorsed by professionals like Mark McGuire and John Elway.^[1]

Creatine can also be used in the treatment of congestive heart failure, depression, bipolar disorder, high cholesterol. Studies of use in Parkinson's disease and Muscular Dystrophy have had either mixed or disappointing results.^[2] Some people take creatine to slow the progression of various muscle diseases and rheumatoid arthritis.

Creatine side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, muscle spasms, and nausea. It is thought that combining creating with caffeine and ephedra can cause stroke. However, creatine is thought to be safe when used in normal doses.^[1]

Contents 1 Common Creatine Side Effects 2 Creatine Side Effects 3 Creatine Allergic Reactions 4 Creatine Precautions and Warnings 5 References

Common Creatine Side Effects

Although creatine can potentially cause muscle and stomach discomfort, when used as recommended, it is not dangerous to most people. Because creatine causes muscles to draw and retain water from the rest of the body, it’s easy to become dehydrated when using it. Drinking extra water while using creatine is recommended.

There is a possibility that creatine may cause irregular heartbeats, as well as a skin condition called pigmented purpuric dermatosis. However, studies generally show that adults taking recommended doses do not experience significant side effects.^[1]

When taken in larger doses, there is speculation that creatine may cause serious problems such as kidney, heart, or liver issues. There are no conclusive studies to back up these claims, nor are there any that show creatine to be safe when taken in high levels.^[1]

Creatine Side Effects

Creatine Allergic Reactions

It is rare for creatine users to experience any allergies from supplements. However, allergies are possible, and users may have a reaction to either the creatine itself or to other ingredients in the creatine formula. Signs of a dangerous reaction include hives and swelling of the face or the throat, which may impede breathing.^[4]

Creatine Precautions and Warnings

• The safety, effectiveness and purity of creatine supplements has yet to be determined by the FDA.
• Creatine has not been shown to have any athletic benefit to individuals over 60 years of age.^[1]
• Experts suggest people with kidney disease or diabetes who take creatine increase their chances of developing, or worsening, kidney disease.^[4]
• Prolonged use of creatine often results in weight gain from water retention, rather than increased muscle mass.^[1]
• Contaminated batches of creatine have been sold, so experts recommend taking only supplements made by reputable, established manufacturers.^[2]
• When taken orally in high doses, there is concern over damage to kidney, liver and heart functions, even though the medical evidence to support a connection is inconclusive. The combination of creatine and caffeine and ephedra, an herb also known as Ma Huang, could increase the likelihood of serious side effects, such as a stroke.^[2]

Also See: Drug Side Effects, Creatine Coupons, Vitamin Coupons, Glucosamine Side Effects, Hoodia Diet Pills, Fish Oil Coupons

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5} http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/873.html
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4} http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/creatine-000297.htm
3. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/performance-enhancing-drugs/HQ01105/NSECTIONGROUP=2
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1} http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-873-CREATINE.aspx?activeIngredientId=873&activeIngredientName=CREATINE