From the Guidelines
Creatine supplementation is generally considered safe, but patients with renal dysfunction should discontinue its use due to potential kidney stress. When considering the side effects of creatine supplementation, it is essential to prioritize morbidity, mortality, and quality of life as outcomes. According to a review published in The Lancet Neurology 1, there is no clear benefit of creatine supplementation in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and its use may be inappropriate.
Key Considerations
- Patients with renal dysfunction should discontinue creatine supplementation to avoid potential kidney stress.
- The side effects of creatine supplementation can include water retention, bloating, and weight gain, particularly in the first few weeks of use.
- Digestive issues like stomach cramps, nausea, or diarrhea may occur, especially with higher doses.
- Proper hydration and recommended dosing can minimize the risk of muscle cramps, dehydration, and kidney stress.
Recommendations for Safe Use
- Start with a lower dose to minimize side effects.
- Increase water intake to at least 8-10 glasses daily.
- Avoid taking creatine with caffeine.
- Consider skipping the loading phase in favor of a consistent maintenance dose. It is crucial to weigh the potential benefits and risks of creatine supplementation and prioritize the patient's overall health and well-being, as evidenced by the lack of recommendations for its use in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy 1.
From the Research
Side Effects of Creatine Supplementation
- The study 2 suggests that creatine supplementation is relatively well tolerated, especially at recommended dosages (i.e. 3-5 g/day or 0.1 g/kg of body mass/day).
- Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation include: + Does creatine lead to water retention? + Is creatine an anabolic steroid? + Does creatine cause kidney damage/renal dysfunction? + Does creatine cause hair loss / baldness? + Does creatine lead to dehydration and muscle cramping? + Is creatine harmful for children and adolescents? + Does creatine increase fat mass?
- However, the provided studies do not directly address the side effects of creatine supplementation, as most of the studies 3, 4, 5, and 6 focus on the effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) on various health conditions.
- It is worth noting that the study 2 is the only one that directly discusses creatine supplementation, and it states that creatine supplementation is relatively well tolerated, but it does not provide an exhaustive list of potential side effects.