Creatine

[1337357]

I realize that creatine has become a “go-to” supplement for many weightlifters, and that no study has shown (yet) that it causes longterm damage. I myself have only taken it once with regularity—several years ago (2012ish). And it just so happened that I had a physical around that time. My doc was worried that something was wrong with my kidneys, but after we talked, he determined that it was the creatine. He told me to stop taking it, that it wasn’t worth the risk.

Here’s my question: was he right? and if not, what would be a valid pro-creatine reply to his concern?

 

[Industrialsize]

From the Mayo Clinic:
Generally safe
Creatine might benefit athletes who need short bursts of speed or muscle, such as sprinters and weight lifters.

While taking creatine might not help all athletes, evidence suggests it generally won't hurt if taken as directed. However, people who have kidney disorders or people at risk of developing kidney disease should talk to a doctor before taking creatine due to concerns that the supplement might cause kidney damage.
Creatine

 

[1337357]

thanks! just to be clear: I don’t have a kidney problem, and, after stopping the creatine, my next round of tests were normal.

my doc just thinks that creatine introduces an element in your system that’s not worth bothering with...

 

[Plasticroad1]

You will get different answers whoever you ask. I haven't seen studies showing that it's harmful. But you ultimately gotta make that decision with your doc.

 

[ColonelLingus]

im addicted to it, I wont even workout without it, funny thing is im not sure if its placebo or if its real

 

[HOU_HEADHUNTER]

Everyone has a different body chemistry and will have a different reaction. I was taking it for a while and found out that my liver enzymes were elevated and we think it was due to the creatine that I was taking so I my physician asked me to stop taking it. When I was tested months later my liver enzymes had decreased. I must admit I liked how full I looked when I was on the creatine but after research I've discovered that the fullness is basically due to water in the muscles which is what creatine does.

 

[Gj816]

I realize that creatine has become a “go-to” supplement for many weightlifters, and that no study has shown (yet) that it causes longterm damage. I myself have only taken it once with regularity—several years ago (2012ish). And it just so happened that I had a physical around that time. My doc was worried that something was wrong with my kidneys, but after we talked, he determined that it was the creatine. He told me to stop taking it, that it wasn’t worth the risk.

Here’s my question: was he right? and if not, what would be a valid pro-creatine reply to his concern?

I'm guessing that you are second guessing your Dr.s advice? Question is, why would you ask total strangers in an internet site for advice when you're Dr.. knows far more about your health, bloodwork results etc?

If my Dr. told me to stop taking something I didn't agree with is get a second opinion from another healthcare professional. Just my two cents.

 

[1337357]

Hah

I'm guessing that you are second guessing your Dr.s advice? Question is, why would you ask total strangers in an internet site for advice when you're Dr.. knows far more about your health, bloodwork results etc?

If my Dr. told me to stop taking something I didn't agree with is get a second opinion from another healthcare professional. Just my two cents.
Good point! OTOH, i’m pretty sure my doc is uninterested in weight lifting, etc. He’s just a GP and by no means an expert in nutritional science. Just thought someone might have some info worth considering or maybe a useful link to an article...

 

[1337357]

I'm guessing that you are second guessing your Dr.s advice? Question is, why would you ask total strangers in an internet site for advice when you're Dr.. knows far more about your health, bloodwork results etc?

If my Dr. told me to stop taking something I didn't agree with is get a second opinion from another healthcare professional. Just my two cents.

Sorry—something went wrong in my response. I was going to say: you raise a valid point. But the doc I’m referring to is just a GP and by no means an expert in nutritional science. I just thought someone might have an interesting opinion or useful link re the topic.

 

[nice_guy_here]

Taking creatine requires a larger water intake due to the associated water retention in the muscle tissue. If not, this can have an adverse effect on the kidneys as they have to work harder to filter dehydrated blood. Hence the advice to hydrate more when taking it

 

[twoton]

If I’m not mistaken, the benefit of creatine is that it promotes faster muscle repair. So you can get stronger quicker by having shorter recoveries. Correct?

 

[nice_guy_here]

If I’m not mistaken, the benefit of creatine is that it promotes faster muscle repair. So you can get stronger quicker by having shorter recoveries. Correct?

The benefit of creatine is being able to work more intensely for longer in the phosphocreatine energy generation range (as opposed to the aerobic or anaerobic respiration ranges). This energy system is used for short (no more than 8-10s) bursts of energy such as sprinting or lifting heavy weights. When you supplement creatine into your diet, what are doing is giving the muscles an improved way to produce ATP from ADP, meaning that you can extend that intense burst for a little longer and make the muscle work harder under overload. This causes the more muscle tears and causes more growth.

It doesn't actively help to recover (that's what steroids do, amongst other things) - it simply help you to work harder for longer in short bursts of activity. It is no good for endurance gains as those use a different pathway to convert fuel into energy.