THE DANGERS OF CREATINE?
Ever since creatine monohydrate first burst onto the scene back in the 1990’s, a ton of conflicting information and confusion has arisen in regards to this hugely popular supplement.
This includes questions such as…
“What is the best form of creatine to take?”
“What is the proper daily dosage?”
“When should I take my creatine?”
Another hugely popular question is in regards to the safety of creatine.
Most people already know that creatine is a highly effective compound for increasing muscular strength, cell volume and overall growth, but are unsure about the possible side effects.
Are there any dangers of creatine that you should be concerned about?
To put it simply, creatine is the most heavily studied sports supplement ever released and is backed by endless mounds of peer-reviewed data that has all come to one basic conclusion…
Creatine is both safe and effective in the short and long term.
As long as you are an otherwise healthy individual (those with pre-existing conditions should check with their physician first), creatine usage is completely safe when taken within the recommended 3-5 gram per day dosage.
All of the so-called “dangers of creatine” that you hear about online and in the media are simply perpetuated by those who are uninformed or who are trying to sell you some sort of “healthier” alternative.
Here are a few of the misguided dangers of creatine you might have heard about…
“Creatine stresses the kidneys and liver” – Again, creatine is the most widely studied bodybuilding supplement in existence and there isn’t a single shred of data to support this. All studies performed on creatine (even those using much higher than normal doses) have never found any impairment in kidney or liver function.
“Creatine causes muscle cramping” – I’m not sure where this one came from, but in fact, the opposite is actually true. A very comprehensive study involving 1500 individuals showed that regular creatine consumption actually reduces the instances of muscle cramping in bodybuilders and athletes.
“Creatine leaves your muscles soft and bloated” – Creatine does drive additional water into the muscle tissue since creatine requires water in order to be stored there. However, that water is entirely intracellular and not subcutaneous. In other words, creatine drives water directly inside the muscle cell rather than storing it underneath the skin. For that reason, creatine actually gives your muscles a harder and more defined look.
“Creatine gives you an upset stomach” – When used within the recommended 3-5 gram per day dosage, all studies performed on creatine have shown no notable side effects when it comes to the issue of stomach discomfort.
The Bottom Line On The “Dangers Of Creatine”
The supporting data and real-world evidence is conclusive: creatine supplementation is safe, period.
Not only that, but it works, and works very well. Anyone who is serious about packing on lean muscle, gaining strength and getting a more muscular body should be supplementing with creatine on a daily basis.
Just make sure to stick with a high quality German-grade “CreaPure” creatine monohydrate product and consume 3-5 grams per day, which is equal to about a teaspoon.
You can consume your dose of creatine at any time during the day mixed with whatever liquid you prefer.
Here’s what to do next…
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