Despite what some may think, creatine does not fall into the same group as anabolic steroids. While creatine may help increase your body’s ability to build muscle, it does not promote an increase in the release of the hormone testosterone. According to the University of California Los Angeles, aggressiveness and mood swings are common side effects of steroid consumption due to these substance's effects on testosterone production. Consult your doctor before taking creatine supplements to be sure it’s right for you.
Function
Your body produces creatine and 95 percent of it is stored in muscle tissue, according to MayoClinic.com. Your muscles have the ability to store more creatine than your body produces, which is where creatine supplements come into the picture. These supplements increase the amount of creatine stored, called creatine phosphate, in your muscle tissue by up to 25 percent, according to UCLA. The creatine phosphate synthesizes during explosive exercise, such as weightlifting, to produce more energy for your muscles. It results in a greater capacity to do more repetitions and sets during each workout.
Difference
Unlike anabolic steroids, creatine doesn’t affect your hormones. According to UCLA, steroids can cause mood swings and aggressiveness, often referred to as “roid-rage.” MayoClinic.com does report that creatine affects people in different ways. It states that some people may experience mild aggression or irritability while taking creatine supplements, but these are not common side effects. Stop taking creatine if you notice symptoms of mood swings or aggression, and consult your doctor right away. It may be a sign of a more serious health issue.
Side Effects
Creatine supplementation does pose several possible side effects. The most common are stomach discomfort, nausea, diarrhea and muscle cramping. According to UCLA, you will most likely gain weight while taking creatine supplements due to increased water retention. It states weight gain of up to 4.5 pounds isn’t uncommon. Side effects associated with creatine supplementation increase when taking beyond the recommended dosage, which typically is 20 grams or less per day for up to a week at a time.
Considerations
Creatine is not for all athletes. Creatine only provides benefits to strength-training athletes and not endurance athletes. According to MayoClinic.com, creatine supplements do increase lean body mass and strength. The energy stored creatine delivers to your muscles is only beneficial during short-term, vigorous movements, like lifting a weight. The energy-deliver system used during endurance exercise is a completely different bodily system known as the aerobic system, which kicks in after creatine has already been used up by your muscles.
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