Does creatine cause side effect on kidney?5 answersCreatine supplementation does not appear to cause adverse effects on kidney function in healthy individuals or resistance-trained individuals consuming a high-protein diet. Clinical trials and studies have consistently shown that creatine does not impair kidney function. In fact, there is evidence suggesting potential protective effects of creatine on heart, muscle, and neurological diseases. However, in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly those on dialysis, there is a concern for creatine deficiency due to decreased endogenous synthesis in the kidneys, which may contribute to symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, and sarcopenia. Additionally, in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) rats, creatine supplementation did not improve DM-induced injuries and even led to pancreatitis and renal tubular necrosis.
How Does creatine suppletion affect brain function?5 answersCreatine supplementation has shown potential benefits for brain function and health. Studies suggest that creatine can increase brain creatine stores, potentially enhancing cognition and memory, especially in aging adults or during metabolic stress like sleep deprivation. Additionally, creatine supplementation may improve cognitive processing in conditions with creatine deficits in the brain, such as acute stress factors or chronic pathological conditions like mild traumatic brain injury and aging. Moreover, creatine has been linked to neuroprotective effects in traumatic brain injury (TBI) by mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction, cognitive deficits, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, preliminary research indicates that creatine supplementation can increase brain creatine content, potentially attenuating symptoms of concussion, mild traumatic brain injury, and depression.
Is creatine safe as supplement?5 answersCreatine supplementation is generally considered safe. Clinical trials and long-term studies have shown that creatine supplementation does not have negative effects on renal function. While some individuals may experience an increase in serum creatinine levels, this does not indicate kidney dysfunction as creatine is converted into creatinine naturally. Creatine supplementation has been shown to have positive effects on muscle mass, exercise capacity, postexercise recovery, and potential neurologic benefits. It is recommended to use creatine supplementation in appropriate doses, with a loading dose of 10-20 g/day for 4-7 days followed by a maintenance dose of 2-5 g/day. Individuals with pre-existing kidney disease should refrain from creatine supplementation. Overall, creatine supplementation is safe for healthy individuals when used as directed.
Is creatine helping in muscle growth?5 answersCreatine supplementation has been shown to be effective for muscle growth in various populations. Studies have found that creatine supplementation can enhance muscle mass, muscle tone, strength, and overall muscle growth. It is particularly effective in healthy young subjects with sufficient training. Creatine supplementation has been found to have positive effects on skeletal muscle physiology and metabolism, including enhancing muscle mass and protein synthesis. Additionally, creatine supplementation can improve muscle strength, cell hydration, and muscle endurance in resistance training practitioners. Overall, creatine supplementation is a popular and efficacious dietary supplement for promoting muscle growth and improving exercise performance in athletes and individuals engaged in resistance training.
Does creatine help build muscle?5 answersCreatine supplementation has been shown to have favorable effects on muscle mass and growth/hypertrophy. The mechanisms of action are not fully understood, but it is believed that creatine may enhance muscle protein synthesis signal pathways and directly affect the myogenic process, resulting in enhanced satellite cell activity and differentiation into myofiber. In addition to muscle growth, creatine supplementation has been found to increase lean muscle mass and exercise capacity, making it a popular ergogenic aid among athletes. Creatine may also have beneficial effects on bone biology, reducing muscle protein catabolism and bone resorption when combined with resistance training. Furthermore, creatine has been shown to regulate various mechanisms involved in muscle hypertrophy and reduce muscle damage, making it potentially beneficial for overall muscle health. Overall, creatine supplementation has been extensively studied and has been found to have positive effects on muscle growth and performance.
What effects does creatine supplementation have on creatine kinase levels?5 answersCreatine supplementation has been shown to have varying effects on creatine kinase (CK) levels. One study found that creatine monohydrate supplementation did not reduce CK increases after exercise in statin-treated subjects. However, another study found that acutely giving beetroot juice, which contains creatine, after strenuous physical activity can reduce CK levels in trained male athletes. Additionally, the pleiotropic effects of creatine, including its role in the CK/phosphocreatine (PCr) system, have been extensively studied. These studies have established the functions of the CK/PCr system as an energy buffer, energy transport system, and metabolic regulator. Furthermore, a study on the effects of creatine supplementation and exercise on muscle fiber integrity found that creatine supplementation did not compromise CK assay methodology. Overall, the effects of creatine supplementation on CK levels appear to be influenced by various factors such as the form of creatine supplementation and the type of physical activity performed.