Creatine, a naturally occurring substance in the body, is a popular supplement among athletes. Approximately 50 percent of professional football players and 25 percent of baseball players use the supplements to increase their athletic performance, says MayoClinic.com. Just because the supplement is widely used, does not mean it's safe. Talk to a trusted health care provider before taking creatine supplements.
About Creatine
Although creatine was discovered in the 1800s, oral supplements did not become popular until the 1970s, as proponents touted the supplements as natural athletic enhancers. Creatine supplements remain popular among athletes, but are also used to treat conditions such as Parkinson's disease, as the supplements might slow the progression of symptoms, according to MedlinePlus. People with muscular dystrophy might also benefit from creatine supplements, although evidence is mixed.
Potential Side Effects
Side effects associated with creatine use include muscle soreness, cramping and strain. Some users experience weight gain, though this effect is likely due to water, not muscle building. Stomach upset and diarrhea are also possible. For most users, creatine is safe in moderate dosages. High doses, however, are potentially unsafe, and may lead to kidney, liver or heart damage. Since creatine causes the muscles to extract water from the body, it's important to consume more water to avoid dehydration.
Possible Drug Interactions
Using creatine in conjunction with some medications could cause dangerous interactions. Never use creatine wirh prescription medications without discussing the risks with a doctor. Because creatine might increase the risk of damage caused by over-the-counter pain relievers, it's best to avoid using these medications while taking creatine. Additionally, using caffeine and creatine simultaneously may
increase your risk of dehydration.
Use
For supplemental use, creatine is available in powder, liquid, capsule and tablet form. You might also find creatine energy bars and other food products at your health food store. A common dosage among adult athletes is 5 g of creatine monohydrate, 4 times daily for one week. The maintenance dose for exercise performance in adults of the same age is 5 g taken twice daily. People under 19 should consult a doctor for advice, as safety and efficacy is uncertain.
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