What are the side effects of taking creatine?

Creatine is possibly safe when taken long-term. Doses up to 10 grams daily for up to 5 years have been safely used. Side effects might include dehydration, upset stomach, and muscle cramps. When applied to the skin: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if creatine is safe.

Can creatine be harmful?

Creatine is a relatively safe supplement with few side effects reported. However, you should keep in mind that: It may be dangerous to take creatine supplements when you are actually dehydrated or trying to lose weight.

How much creatine intake is safe?

Taking too much creatine at one time can result in stomach discomfort and bloating, and it’s a waste of money. After your muscles are fully saturated with creatine, it’s recommended to take 3–5 grams (14 mg/pound or 30 mg/kg) daily to maintain optimal muscle stores.

Is drinking creatine good for you?

The bottom line. At the end of the day, creatine is an effective supplement with powerful benefits for both athletic performance and health. It may boost brain function, fight certain neurological diseases, improve exercise performance, and accelerate muscle growth.

Can a 16 year old take creatine?

The American Academy of Pediatrics specifically recommends against its use by adolescents, and most of the flavored powders, tablets, energy bars and drink mixes containing creatine bear warning labels that the supplement is not recommended for anyone under 18.

When should I stop taking creatine?

This means in total you have been supplementing with creatine for a total of 8 weeks. Then it is important to stop taking creatine. You should pause your creatine supplementation for anywhere between 7 to 14 days (preferably 2 weeks), before beginning again to take creatine.

Can creatine cause hair loss?

Essentially, when you take creatine supplements, the conversion of testosterone to DHT increases in the system. The increased levels of DHT alter hair growth by speeding up the cycle of each hair follicles, which can cause hair loss. Hence, taking creatine cause hair loss in individuals over some time.

Is creatine safe for 18 years old?

It is legal to use this supplement, and it is readily available in stores. But Jordan D. Metzl, MD, tells WebMD that the American College of Sports Medicine has recommended that people 18 and younger should not use creatine.

What Age Is creatine safe?

The minimum age for taking creatine supplements is 18. Because so little is known about the long-term effects of creatine, it’s not recommended for children and teens under the age of 18. For this group, it’s better to improve sports performance through nutrition and athletic training.