Creatine Dangers

Why is Creatine the most talked about topic among bodybuilders, athletes and scientists? Because it works and has lived up to the hype it has created.

After extensive research it has been concluded that Creatine Dangers are very minimal and harmless as they are only negligible. The media as usual plays its role to probe into any aspect that can endanger the reputation of the supplement as with any product. This probe is complimented by the conservative medical personals. Short term studies have however concluded that there is no apparent potential danger from Creatine.

Some of the myths of potential Creatine Dangers are as follows:

Creatine supplements are steroids. On the contrary Creatine occurs naturally in the body and is also ingested when we eat meat and fish. After excretion, there is very little Creatine available and that is why body builders and athletes need to supplement Creatine – approximately 4 pound of red meat is needed to equal just one heaped spoon of Creatine monohydrate.

Another myth is to blame kidney damage on Creatine. Studies on healthy athletes over a five year period have proven that there are no Creatine dangers to the kidney unless the person has already had an existing problem and had not consulted medical professionals before using Creatine.

Creatine does not make someone fat. Initially when Creatine is taken by bodybuilders they gain weight due to water retention and not fat weight. This symptom is called water weight.

It is not necessary to consume an overload of Creatine. It can be taken in small doses of five to ten grams per day.

Due to the popularity of the supplement more tests have been done on this performance enhancing powder than on any other supplement. The studies showed that Creatine supplements cause only minimal and short lived side effects. Examples are mild muscle cramps, mild stomach ache, diarrhea or dehydration most of them can be reversed by drinking enough water and in more severe cases will diminish when the supplement is discontinued.

As for long term Creatine dangers, studies have shown that there has been no known cases to substantiate that Creatine causes long term health hazards. Two nine month studies have been conducted in late 1999 by South West American College of sports Medicine. They concluded that 5 grams of Creatine supplement on athletes created no side effects on the liver, kidney or muscles.

Despite all the research as to the minimal side effects of Creatine there is a section of skeptic medical professionals who debate its safety. They state that Creatine Dangers cannot be neglected.

To avoid even the minimal side effects it is always safe to take the supplement under medical supervision. This is to rule out any interactions of Creatine with other drugs or supplements that you may be taking.

Always take the exact dosage as recommended by the manufacturer or consult a professional who has used it successfully.

There is always the risk of kidneys being strained when there is excess intake of Creatine supplement. The supplement increases Creatinine in the urine concentrate. When this happens we all know that the kidneys have to strain very hard. Creatinine is a waste product of the bio-fuel fuel Creatine.

Careful dosage of the supplement is therefor advised to maintain a healthy balance.

Filed under: Creatine

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