Medically reviewed by Medication.com. Final up to date on Sep 23, 2020.
What’s creatine?
Creatine is a artifical type of a chemical that’s usually discovered within the physique. It’s also present in meat and fish. Most creatine within the human physique is saved within the muscle tissue. Creatine is a supply of vitality for muscle contraction and can also be concerned in muscle development.
Creatine has been utilized in various drugs as a probably efficient help for enhancing athletic efficiency, and for growing muscle energy in individuals with coronary heart failure, muscular dystrophy, and McArdle’s illness (a genetic dysfunction). It might even be probably efficient in treating Parkinson’s illness, and gyrate atrophy (a genetic eye dysfunction that impacts the retina and causes imaginative and prescient loss).
Creatine has additionally been used to deal with rheumatoid arthritis, or Lou Gehrig’s illness (ALS). Nonetheless, analysis has proven that it might not be efficient in treating these situations.
Different makes use of not confirmed with analysis have included treating excessive ldl cholesterol, melancholy, bipolar dysfunction, or sure muscle illnesses.
It’s not sure whether or not creatine is efficient in treating any medical situation. Medicinal use of this product has not been accredited by the FDA. It shouldn’t be used instead of remedy prescribed for you by your physician.
Creatine is usually offered as an natural complement. There aren’t any regulated manufacturing requirements in place for a lot of natural compounds and a few marketed dietary supplements have been discovered to be contaminated with poisonous metals or different medication. Natural/well being dietary supplements must be bought from a dependable supply to attenuate the chance of contamination.
Warnings
Creatine has not been evaluated by the FDA for security, effectiveness, or purity. All potential dangers and/or benefits of this remedy might not be recognized. Moreover, there aren’t any regulated manufacturing requirements in place for these compounds. There have been cases the place natural/well being dietary supplements have been offered which have been contaminated with poisonous metals or different medication. Natural/well being dietary supplements must be bought from a dependable supply to attenuate the chance of contamination.
Drink loads of fluid whereas taking creatine. Though it has not been confirmed, dehydration, heat-related sicknesses, muscle cramps, lowered blood quantity, and electrolyte imbalances are anticipated to be extra prone to happen whereas taking creatine.
Observe all instructions on the product label and bundle. Inform every of your healthcare suppliers about all of your medical situations, allergy symptoms, and all medicines you employ.
Earlier than taking this drugs
You shouldn’t use creatine when you have:
Ask a health care provider, pharmacist, or different healthcare supplier whether it is secure so that you can use this product when you have:
Creatine might not be as efficient in enhancing energy or constructing muscle in individuals over 60 years previous.
It’s not recognized whether or not creatine will hurt an unborn child. Don’t use this product if you’re pregnant.
Creatine might cross into breast milk and will hurt a nursing child. Don’t use this product if you’re breast-feeding a child.
Don’t give any natural/well being complement to a baby with out medical recommendation.
How ought to I take creatine?
When contemplating the usage of natural dietary supplements, search the recommendation of your physician. You might also contemplate consulting a practitioner who’s skilled in the usage of natural/well being dietary supplements.
For those who select to make use of creatine, use it as directed on the bundle or as directed by your physician, pharmacist, or different healthcare supplier. Don’t use extra of this product than is really helpful on the label. Excessive doses might trigger dangerous results in your coronary heart, kidneys, or liver.
Some athletes have used a “loading method” of taking creatine by utilizing giant doses for two to five days, adopted by smaller “maintenance” doses. This methodology has been utilized by athletes searching for a short-term enhance in athletic potential, equivalent to earlier than a sporting competitors.
One other methodology of use includes taking smaller doses over an prolonged coaching interval. This methodology has been utilized by individuals searching for endurance for long-term coaching equivalent to body-building.
Creatine could also be simpler should you take it with a meal of carbohydrates. Observe all instructions on the product label.
Muscle tissues can solely maintain a certain quantity of creatine. Utilizing extra of this product won’t enhance any results.
Don’t use completely different kinds (tablets, liquid, powder, drinks, and so forth) of creatine on the similar time with out medical recommendation. Utilizing completely different formulations collectively will increase the chance of an overdose.
Drink loads of fluid to keep away from turning into overheated or dehydrated throughout train and in scorching climate. You might be extra liable to dehydration, warmth stroke, or electrolyte imbalances when you are taking creatine.
Retailer in a sealed container as directed on the label, away from moisture and warmth.
What occurs if I miss a dose? – “creatine nausea”
Skip the missed dose whether it is nearly time in your subsequent scheduled dose. Don’t use any additional to make up the missed dose.
What occurs if I overdose?
Search emergency medical consideration or name the Poison Assist line at 1-800-222-1222.
Creatine could cause kidney injury when used over an extended interval or in case your each day doses are too excessive.
What to keep away from
Keep away from ingesting caffeine (espresso, tea, soda) or taking natural stimulants equivalent to ephedra or Ma Huang when you are taking creatine. Combining this product with these substances might enhance your threat of getting a stroke or different severe medical issues.
Keep away from turning into overheated or dehydrated throughout train and in scorching climate.
“creatine nausea”