Creatine Supplement Reviews – 4

Maximum muscle size and definition without dangerous side effects! 

Poorly regulated

Before looking at the issue of side effects we should mention that creatine has not been evaluated by the FDA for such factors as effectiveness, safety, or purity. Also, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for over the counter food supplements. There have been cases where supplements have been sold which contained toxic metals or other drugs. Try to only buy reputable brands from reliable sources to reduce the risks of this happening to you. For a few extra pounds of muscle size or definition it’s not worth the risk of trying to save a few dollars by buying a shoddy creatine product.  

Side effects  

Probably the most common side effect experienced by creatine users is cramping. This usually occurs if the individual doesn’t increase his or her water consumption. If there is not enough water in the muscles, the extra creatine will start drawing it from other parts of the body.  

One group of people who probably should not use creatine are athletes trying to lose weight in order to make it into a lower weight division. The most common way to drop weight quickly is by dehydration, and as we just saw, creatine use necessitates doing just the opposite – taking in extra water. 

Another side effect occasionally reported is diarrhea. This is usually related to megadosing. Most people can handle no more than about 5 grams of creatine per serving. Yet some bodybuilders follow the philosophy of “more is better” for muscle size and definition and take 15 to 20 grams or more at one time. It’s no wonder some of these individuals experience gastric upset.  

Into the unknown

Although creatine is considered a "natural" product (that is, it is found naturally within the body), the dosages being taken by bodybuilders for increasing muscle size and definition are far beyond what the body can synthesize or consume in the diet. And while it has been widely available since the early 1990’s, nevertheless the long-term effects are still unknown. 

The bottom line is that you stop taking creatine and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects that you believe may be linked to creatine.