Thread: Creatine, negative side effects?

I don't really know the reasons why, but I thought the increased water retention was supposed to offer some kind of benefit in terms of gaining muscle mass...

Well creatine can contribute to dehydration and/or heat stroke by interfering with the body's sweating functions, as well as causing a transfer of water from the blood and other areas of the body into muscle cells. Additionally, mixed with fruit juice, creatine increases formation of the metabolic waste product creatinine, which can place additional stress the kidneys. It also has been linked to muscle cramps, strains and pulls as well as diarrhea. Now having said all that, creatine can be a safe and valueable supplement to promote muscle growth. Just be sure to stay hydrated, mix it with water only, and of course adjust your usage accordingly if you experience muscle cramps, strains, diarrhea, or any other adverse effects.


as for your 2nd question, i have no idea. Creatine does draw more water into the muslce as stated above, but im clueless on the glycogen thing.

Originally Posted by cfs3

I've heard that creatine may have some negative side effects. Is this true? If so, what are they?

One that I heard is that is promotes water gain. This was portrayed as a negative, but I figure that perhaps creatine increases glycogen stores and glycogen having a 1-to-3 ration with water is the cause. Any truth to that?

Thanks!

if used properly there are zero side effects from creatine. and the side effects that rarely happen are only temporary...when the user suffers from cramping and dehydration it is there own fault for not consuming enough water...

creatine only effects cellular hydration in skeletal muscle and has no effect on muscle glycogen storage...but since it does effect cellular hydration it helps to create a more anabolic environment in skeletal muscle...

creatine is proven to be safe, its probably the most researched product ever and there is still no hard evidence to suggest it causes any negative side effects! (apart from dehydration when idoits think drink lots of water means 2 large glasses a day instead of just sipping on a glass of soda with their dinner)

Energy systems of muscle

During any activity, basically all energy system's get called into play to some degree, though some to a greater extent than others. I list them here in order from quickest, and activated most during high intensity (like creatine), to slowest and lowest intensity, like fat burning. ATP - Adenosine tri-phosphate

This is THE primary source of energy for muscle contraction. All other 'energy sources' actually just generate more ATP as it gets used up. The energy is derived from removing a phosphate ion from ATP, resulting in ADP (Adenosine di-phosphate). All the other energy systems function in re-attaching a phosphate ion to ADP to form more ATP for use. Phosphocreatine system

This is the very first energy system that comes into play, immediately! It is very fast, and can supply more ATP for more muscular contractions in milliseconds, which is crucial when doing high intensity workouts.

Supplementing with creatine boosts your body's stores of this important substance, which is why you can lift heavier and longer. It comes into play mostly during very intense workloads as the other systems are too slow to provide the needed energy. Another reason this lets you workout harder and longer is because unlike deriving energy from glucose, this system doesn't result in lactic acid buildup.

I've never had any sides with creatine.

Drink lots and lots of water and you will be set.

Thanks again guys.

G-man, thanks for the info. I"ve just started to learn about that in a book I'm reading.