Avoid Dangerous Side Effects with Creatine Powder
I first heard about creatine from athletes who told me they had seen incredible results after using the supplement. However, I was skeptical of these reports because many supplements make big promises but deliver small results. As a medical doctor I have been trained to look at the scientific facts. So, I reviewed the world's scientific literature, containing thousands of medical journals and found, to my surprise, that creatine really works to improve strength, endurance, and recovery.
Despite these positive results, many athletes have serious negative side effects with the powder. They report intestinal cramping, diarrhea, increased urination, and dehydration.
Several things cause these side effects. First, manufacturers of creatine powder creatine require you that you “load” creatine by taking high doses for the first five days. During loading athletes are required to take the creatine powder five times a day for one week! When these high doses of powder enter the stomach they draw water from the body, causing the intestine to contract, just like a person gets when he drinks sea water.
Secondly, many coaches and trainers told me their athletes were taking megadoses of creatine. They took too much, thinking that if a little bit was good then a lot would be better.
Thirdly, side effects may be the result of using impure creatine. Creatine is made in only three countries- the United States, China, and Germany. In the U.S. and Germany the governments regulate creatine manufacturers. However, in China there is very little oversight of these manufactures. Your creatine may be deliberately watered down using a cheaper ingredient. Some companies have been caught diluting creatine with bone meal or baking soda. In order to make sure you’re getting what you paid for ask where it was made. If you’re using inexpensive creatine there’s a good chance it came from China. I recommend and use only U.S. and German made creatine.
You can avoid side effects reported with the powders. They are caused by the excessive powder doses and impure creatine. In the more that 10,000 athletes that now use Creatine Gum and Creatine PowerTabs , we have not heard of one negative side effect. That’s because these products require no loading or megadoses. In addition, they’re a premeasured dose so you don’t get too little or too much. Finally, these products are made with only U.S. or German creatine.