1. What is Creatine?

Creatine is a building block of protein that is naturally produced in the body. If not produced optimally in the body, one can take it as a supplement. It is also available in red meat and seafood. Generally, proteins help build muscles and bones and repair damaged tissues.

 

2. What is the function of Creatine in the body?

Creatine is a natural source of energy that improves exercise and sports performance, increases muscle mass, and helps skeletal muscles contract and flex. Apart from that, some also claim it to be used for muscle cramps, fatigue, multiple sclerosis, depression, weight gain, and improving liver and kidney functioning.

 

3. What are the uses and effectiveness of Creatine?

There are various health aspects for which Creatine can be used to treat various diseases and health concerns, including neuromuscular disorders, concussions, diabetes, muscle loss, and others, as follows:

1. improve athletes’ performance

Intake of creatine can help athletes improve their performance in rowing, jumping, soccer, sprints, cycling, swimming, and tennis.

2. improves brain functioning

Generally, in children and young adults, the common condition known as GAMT deficiency or AGAT deficiency prevails. In this condition, the person suffers from intellectual disabilities, seizure disorders, muscle weakness, behavioural disorders, and movement disorders. So if creatine levels are maintained optimally, it can improve brain functioning, but not in cases where creatine is not transported properly.

3. Sarcopenia

It’s obvious that protein helps enhance muscle mass in the body. Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by age-related muscle loss. So consumption of Creatine helps to improve muscle strength in both adults and children and if combined with exercise, it helps to build muscle in a quick and better way.

 

4. Creatine may be ineffective for which conditions?

Taking creatine orally may not be beneficial for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s Disease and Osteopenia. ALS is a type of motor neuron disease; even Huntington’s is a disease that affects movements, emotions, and thinking; and finally, osteopenia is related to bone loss.

 

5. What are the common side effects of creatine?

When taken orally and if taken beyond prescribed dosages, it may cause dehydration, upset stomach, and muscle cramps. When applied to the skin in the tropics, it may cause redness and itching.

 

6. Some people confuse creatine with steroids; is it really a steroid?

Well, some people, by mistake, categorize it as an anabolic steroid and give disclaimers that women and teenagers should avoid it and that it is strictly for athletes, bodybuilders, and fighters. However, the International Sport Society claims creatine to be extremely safe and beneficial for sportspeople. Even some studies suggest that creatine does not cause any side effects.

 

7. How does creatine function biologically?

As mentioned earlier, creatine can be obtained from meat and fish and is naturally present throughout the body. An excess amount is stored in muscles. During vigorous exercise, the stored creatine helps muscles produce more energy, which results in better exercise performance. Later, the excess amount is broken down into creatinine, which is further metabolized by the liver and released in the form of urine.

 

8. Does creatine relate to dehydration? If yes, then how?

Yes, creatine alters the body’s stored water content by adding water to muscle cells, which causes dehydration. Few believe that this cellular water content is minor and does not cause dehydration. There are many controversial studies available that state that taking creatine causes dehydration, muscle cramps, and muscle injuries, but suggest no adverse effects such as dehydration. In my opinion, it depends on the individual’s physiology and metabolic system how creatine will react in terms of dehydration.

 

9. Is it true that creatine leads to weight gain?

A research study concluded that consuming a high dose of creatine for a week increased body weight by 2–6 pounds. It is because creatine increases muscle growth, not body fat. Thus, creatine supplements cause a quick increase in body weight.

 

10. Is there any link between creatine and the kidney and liver?

There is no study showing that creatine harms the kidney and liver. There are several studies starting from a year to 4 years showing that consumption of creatine may slightly raise the creatinine level in the blood, but no serious side effects are found. However, manufacturers of creatine supplements use caution and recommend consulting a health professional if one has a history of kidney and liver dysfunction.

 

11. Does creatine consumption cause indigestion?

A study reports that an excessive dose of even 5 grams of creatine may cause digestive issues such as diarrhoea. Though it might be possible that additives and contaminants generated during the industrial production of creatine may be responsible for digestion issues, Therefore, it is recommended to use a high-quality, trustworthy product.

 

12. Does the consumption of creatine cause any side effects on the skin?

There are controversial reports related to acne, in which one study suggests that creatine may enhance the ability to exercise, leading to sweat, which can lead to acne. But creatine alone cannot. In fact, creatine may help improve wrinkles, ageing, and tropical damage to the skin.

 

13. Does it pose any serious medical condition if creatine supplements are taken with other drugs?

Creatine may interact with some medicines, so it’s better to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before starting a creatine supplement routinely. If one is on liver and kidney medication, then it’s better to avoid creatine supplements. Similarly, if one is on medication for blood sugar, then avoiding or consulting a doctor before using creatine can be advisable. Likewise, pregnant ladies, breastfeeding ladies, heart disease patients, and cancer patients need to discuss their medical history or case with a healthcare professional.

 

14. What are the severe side effects of consuming creatine?

Creatine leads to compartment syndrome, in which excessive pressure builds inside the enclosed space of arm and leg muscles. Another condition known as rhabdomyolysis may be found, in which muscle breaks down and leaks protein into the bloodstream.

As a takeaway from the blog, creatine is the cheapest, most effective, and safest supplement used for more than a century. It has several health-related benefits that help treat various diseases.