Creatine is an amino-acid based chemical that occurs naturally in humans and also appears in supplements and certain foods. As of 2011, scientists have not fully studied creatine supplementation's potential toxic effects on the body. However, there is evidence that creatine can negatively affect your health if you take it in certain circumstances.
Creatine Safety
Creatine is probably safe at recommended dosages for most people, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus. Athletes seeking to use the supplement for performance improvement typically take a starting dose as high as 20 g per day for several days, then taper off their use to a much lower daily intake. People with Parkinson's disease may also take as much as 20 g for a few days, then taper off their use. People with heart failure may take as much as 20 g of creatine for five to 10 days, while people with muscular dystrophy may take as much as 10 g per day on an ongoing basis.
Potential Kidney Effects
Creatine has the potential to cause kidney damage when taken at higher doses. According to MayoClinic.com, the concern over this potential is not as great in 2011 as it had been earlier. Still, there is real concern, and some people taking creatine have developed interstitial nephritis and other significant kidney problems. You can increase your risks if you take the supplement in combination with medications such as cyclosporine, naproxen and ibuprofen, that can also potentially harm your kidneys. For these reasons, MedlinePlus recommends that people with kidney disease or diabetes avoid creatine use.
Additional Potential Effects
MedlinePlus lists several other potential toxic effects of creatine use. For instance, if you use creatine in combination with caffeine and an herb called ephedra, you could increase your risks for experiencing a stroke or other dangerous side effects. Creatine use may also trigger the onset of an irregular heartbeat, alter your normal liver function or cause a skin disorder called pigmented purpuric dermatosis. However, further study is needed to determine creatine's true relationship to these problems. Further study is also needed to determine whether creatine use poses risks for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Considerations
Common potential side effects of creatine use include nausea, diarrhea, muscle cramps and stomach pain. In some cases, people taking creatine have also experienced muscle breakdown, which can lead to muscle pain or muscle tears. When used for extended amounts of time, creatine may also increase your body's production of a chemical called formaldehyde, MayoClinic.com notes. In turn, this increased formaldehyde production may trigger its own set of serious side effects. Other reported problems that may be associated with creatine use include seizures, swollen limbs, depression, dizziness, nervousness, aggressive behavior and a serious blood clot ailment called deep vein thrombosis. To safeguard your health, speak with your doctor before you take creatine. Also tell your doctor about any problems you experience after your start taking the supplement.
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