Creatine does not contain lactose because most creatine supplements are made from animal byproducts, such as fish and meat. If you develop lactose intolerance symptoms from using creatine, have your doctor evaluate the creatine supplement to determine if it contains any milk. Your symptoms may not be related to lactose, but may be triggered by an allergic reaction to creatine supplements. Drugs.com states that creatine has been reported to cause allergic reactions in some people. An allergy to creatine may cause life-threatening symptoms. Discontinue using the supplement until you can be seen by your doctor.
Creatine Allergy
An allergic reaction to creatine can cause mild to severe symptoms to develop within a few minutes of consuming the supplement. If you have an allergic reaction, your body accidentally reacts to the proteins in the supplement the same way it would to a virus or harmful bacteria. The immune system releases antibodies to protect the body. The presence of these antibodies triggers mast cells in your soft tissues to produce a chemical called histamine, according to MedlinePlus. Histamine helps prevent infection in the body, but during an allergic reaction it leads to inflammation.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is not the result of an immune system reaction, but rather the inability to digest the sugar found in milk products. If you're lactose intolerant, you will develop digestive complications, such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, cramping and abdominal pain, after consuming milk or other dairy products, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Lactose is only found in dairy products or products that contain milk. Most creatine supplements are dairy- and lactose-free.
Symptoms
The reason you may mistake symptoms from taking creatine with lactose intolerance is because of the common digestive symptoms of an allergic reaction. During an allergic reaction to creatine, the lining of your intestines can become inflamed and swollen, causing stomach pain, diarrhea and cramping. To determine the cause of you symptoms, your doctor may refer you to an allergist. An allergist will test your blood and skin to determine if immunoglobulin E antibodies are present when creatine is introduced, which would indicate an allergy.
Treatment
If diagnosed with a creatine allergy, you will need to stop using the supplement to prevent further complications. If you accidentally ingest creatine, call your doctor immediately. Minor symptoms may be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines, while more severe reactions may require emergency medical attention. A severe allergic reaction may be treated with an injection of epinephrine.
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