Creatine is an amino acid that occurs naturally, mostly in the muscles. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a significant amount of creatine is produced in the liver, but it also enters the body through ingested food. Creatine supplements have become popular among athletes to help them build muscle. Athletes believe that it enhances performance during intense but short competitive sports such as sprinting and weight lifting. Medically, creatine is effective for treating symptoms associated with Parkinsons disease, heart disease and neuromuscular disorders. As is true of all medications, creatine has potential side effects.
Common Side Effects
Side effects that are considered common but not serious include weight gain, acne, muscle cramping, muscle pulls and upset stomach. For some athletes, weight gain is the objective for using creatine, but it should be noted that much of that weight gain can be attributed to water retention, as opposed to an increase in muscle girth. According to "Dangers of Creatine," the drug absorbs water from cells, which can result in dehydration and obesity. This side effect can become more serious when dehydration results in mood swings, rage and depression. Those taking creatine are advised to maintain consistent water intake.
Serious Side Effects
More serious side effects include dizziness, high blood pressure, increased anxiety, male breast formation (i.e., gynecomastia), hair loss and a reduction in penis size. The presence of such side effects requires immediate medical attention.
Severe Side Effects
Severe side effects include liver dysfunction and kidney damage. Beyond that, the University of Maryland Medical Center cites a 2001 report from the Food Safety Agency of France (AFSSA) that suggested long-term creatine use increased the risk of cancer. Other American and European health organizations could not find evidence to substantiate this claim. As of 2009, the risks specifically associated with long-term creatine use remain unknown.
Drug Interaction Side Effects
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, creatine can have adverse interactions with other medications. Creatine used with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications or diuretics increases the risk of kidney failure. The use of creatine alongside herbal supplements or drugs designed to stimulate the central nervous system (e.g., caffeine, ephedra) elevates the risk of a stroke.
Less-Than-Pure Creatine
"Dangers of Creatine" reports that not all creatine supplements have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Some marketing companies add chemicals to their supplements in an attempt to mitigate the side effects of pure creatine. All chemicals have side effects of their own, and thus creatine combinations have the potential risk of different or additional side effects while diminishing the intended effect of the pure creatine. Medical professionals recommend that all creatine use be supervised.
