Creatine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in your body. As an important component in building muscles, manufacturers of health supplements commonly use creatine in health supplements for athletes. Creatine supplements allow athletes to quickly build muscle mass when combined with short-term, high-intensity exercise. However, you should use creatine with caution, because as a supplement this amino acid also has several disadvantages. As with any health supplement, you should speak with your doctor before consuming any creatine supplement.
Several Downsides
Using creatine can result in a significant increase in water weight. After taking creatine supplements, you may feel bloated. Additionally, this increased water weight can cause your muscles to feel softer instead of harder. Further, consumption of creatine can result in an upset stomach and other digestive problems. Moreover, when you stop using creatine supplements, you may experience a serious decrease in your energy level.
Serious Side Effects
Creatine supplements also have several series side effects associated with their use. Creatine supplements can increase you likelihood of experiencing pulled muscles, and developing painful cramps and muscle spasms. Additionally, consuming creatine supplements can result in a loss of appetite, nausea, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and high blood pressure. If you are allergic to creatine, taking any supplement with creatine can result in asthmatic symptoms such as shortness of breath.
Interactions
Creatine supplements can also interact with several common drugs and substances. You should not take creatine with any non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Other drugs and substances that might interact with creatine include diuretics and caffeine. Further, you should not take the prescription medicines probenicid or cimetidine while using creatine supplements. If you currently take any supplements, over-the-counter or prescription drugs, you should check with your doctor before consuming any creatine supplement.
Considerations
Creatine is not a steroid or hormonal supplement. Regarding the long-term use of creatine, scientific data has not confirmed the safety or effectiveness of this amino acid. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration does not evaluate the quality or safety of any creatine supplement. Before consuming creatine, you should always consult a physician.
References
- "Essentials of Creatine in Sports and Health"; Jeffrey R. Stout and Jose Antonio and Douglas Kalman; 2010
- "The Ultimate Creatine Handbook"; Joseph A. Debe and Donna Caruso; 2003
- "Creatine Kinase"; Christian Vial; 2006
- "Anabolic Steroids and Sports, Testing, Creatine, Androstenedione, and Other Ergogenic AIDS: Spring 1998-Spring 2005: An Annotated Bibliography"; Ellen R. Peterson; 2006
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