What are creatine’s main drawbacks?

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    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Supplementation with creatine typically results in weight gain, partly due to an increase in total body water.[1] The range of weight gain after a creatine loading phase tends to fall between 0.9 and 1.8 kg (1.98–3.96 lbs).[2][3] This may be of particular concern to individuals competing in weight-sensitive sports.

    Diarrhea can occur when too much creatine is taken at one time,[4] in which case the doses should be spread out throughout the day and taken with meals.

    Supplementation with creatine has been reported to negatively affect aerobic capacity to a small degree.[5] It has been speculated that this potential detrimental effect may be related to increases in total body water and body weight following supplementation with creatine.[6]

    References

    1. ^Kutz MR, Gunter MJCreatine monohydrate supplementation on body weight and percent body fatJ Strength Cond Res.(2003 Nov)
    2. ^Heymsfield SB, Arteaga C, McManus C, Smith J, Moffitt SMeasurement of muscle mass in humans: validity of the 24-hour urinary creatinine method.Am J Clin Nutr.(1983-Mar)
    3. ^Demant TW, Rhodes ECEffects of creatine supplementation on exercise performance.Sports Med.(1999-Jul)
    4. ^Ostojic SM, Ahmetovic ZGastrointestinal distress after creatine supplementation in athletes: are side effects dose dependent?Res Sports Med.(2008)
    5. ^Damien Gras, Charlotte Lanhers, Reza Bagheri, Ukadike Chris Ugbolue, Emmanuel Coudeyre, Bruno Pereira, Marek Zak, Jean-Baptiste Bouillon-Minois, Frédéric DutheilCreatine supplementation and VO 2 max: a systematic review and meta-analysisCrit Rev Food Sci Nutr.(2021 Dec 3)
    6. ^P D Balsom, S D Harridge, K Söderlund, B Sjödin, B EkblomCreatine supplementation per se does not enhance endurance exercise performanceActa Physiol Scand.(1993 Dec)