Creatine Dangers

Creatine has become a hot topic for discussion the world over. The use of creatine started approximately in the year 1996. Extensive research has not yet been carried out to prove that there are no creatine dangers. Short term studies carried out say that there are no dangers of creatine use, but it is important to know what are the long term dangers, before the find, can be labeled as danger free.

What is Creatine?

It is important to know what is creatine, before we know the dangers of creatine. Creatine is actually an amino acid, produced by the kidney and the liver. It is stored in the muscles. Certain studies have shown that the use of creatine helps the performance of athletes who require a quick boost of energy in sports such as, weightlifting, sprinting, etc. Creatine also helps in gaining muscle mass, as it enhances protein synthesis.

Dangers of Creatine Use

Using creatine for a very short period of time is said to be harmless. It is the abuse of this substance over a very long period of time, which is dangerous. Listed below are the dangers of creatine use for a prolonged period of time.

• Weight Gain: This is one of the most common of the effects of creatine use. Weight gain is as a result of high water levels in the muscles. It also leads to increase of lean muscle tissue, which also contributes to weight gain.
• Kidney and Liver Damage: Sustained usage of creatine shows high concentration of 'creatinine', a creatine waste product, in the urine. High concentration of creatinine is an indicator of problems with the kidneys. The kidneys have to work overtime to remove excessive creatinine from the body. Hence, it is advised to increase your water consumption. The other problem is kidney stones. Prolonged usage of creatine can cause kidney stones. Increasing one's water consumption can control the problem but not prevent it from occurring.
• Nausea, Diarrhea: The person feels nauseated or has diarrhea after consumption of creatine, as often, creatine does not get completely dissolved in the stomach.
• Muscle Cramps and Muscle Pulls: Cramps are caused due to lack of water or fluid in the body. Creatine draws waters to the muscles, hence, the consumption of water or fluids should be more than regular to avoid muscle cramps. Some people have also reported muscle pulls as a result of sustained usage of creatine.
• Dehydration: Along with muscle cramps, dehydration is the other harmful side effect of creatine. The person feels dehydrated as water in the body is drawn to the muscles as mentioned earlier, leaving the body dehydrated and causing the muscles bloat up. Dehydration can also cause stones in the liver.
• Bloating: Some athletes also experience bloating as a few creatine side effects.
• Creatine Synthesize: The body is not able to synthesize creatine, after the sustained use of creatine supplements, which means that now you will have to substitute the inability of your body to create creatine, with external sources, all your life. If creatine is used for a shorter period of time, the body gets back into routine and is able to undertake creatine synthesis.
• Stomach Upset: Some athletes have reported stomach upset due to consumption of creatine.

If you are an athlete and feel the need for a creatine supplement, I would recommend eating creatine rich foods such as, tuna, beef, pork, salmon, herring and cod. A person requires only about two to five grams of creatine everyday. Therefore, understanding creatine dangers arising out of misuse, it is better to stick to natural creatine, than its harmful supplements.