For those fitness buffs that have tried Creatine...the Pro's? the Cons?
406274
I take the Buffered Creatine. What you guys talking about is the old one which requires loading. My comment is simply nothing wrong if you take the buffered one.
1114526
I'm very cautious about taking supplements for the same reason you are.  I always do as much research as I can before taking anything to make sure I know about all of the possible supplements.  Right now the only supplements I am taking are all considered food supplements, creatine being one of them.\n\nCreatine is produced naturally in your body, as well as acquired when you eat meat.  It is converted into phosphocreatine and then used to replenish ATP stores after they are used for energy.  By taking creatine supplementation you can increase your creatine stores and thus increase your workout capacity.\n\nCreatine is also known to cause cell volumization, as it causes the muscles to hold more water. Note that this is different the water retention, as water retention is when water is retained on the outside of the cells, causing the muscles to lose definition and look smoother. Cell volumization pulls the water into the cells and causes the muscles to look harder.  There are also studies that have come to light recently that show that cell volumization can make protein synthesis more productive. In theory this could mean that creatine could directly help you build muscle, but more research needs to be done to prove this effect.\n\nCreatine is also a very safe substance to supplement. While there are rumors of some side effects, such as muscle cramping, kidney problems, etc, no studies have actually proved these to be actual risks. One possible risk is the down regulation of the creatine transporters due to oversupplementation, but if you follow the recommended guidelines you shouldn't have to worry about that effect. To be safe you should actually take less creatine than most manufacturers recommend, though. Studies have shown that your body can absorb a lot less than most companies suggest you take anyway. They have found that your body is unable to absorb more than 3-5 grams of creatine per day after you have finished loading. To top that off, after working out you are capable of absorbing up to 10% more than your normal maximum capacitiy. They estamate that you only use 3% of your creatine stores when you don't work out. That means that if you are fully loaded and then take creatine after working out you will have more creatine than you body can obsorb for the next 3-4 days or until you work out again. Bottom line: after loading it is only necessary to take creatine after working out. I only take about 5 grams after I work out to replenish the creatine I have used.
690440
Yes, women can take creatine too.  I use to take it when I workout, but I don't anymore.  I didn't want to get bulky, so I stopped.  It's totally safe for women to take.  Read the dosage on the back of the bottle or ask a Rep. in a Vitamin are GNC store.
532437
LA MUSCLE EXPLOSIVE CREATINE -Two side effects of creatine loading are weight gain and "cell volumizing." Both these effects occur because creatine associates with water as it is stored in the muscles. Over the six-day loading phase, more and more creatine is stored and an increasing amount of water is drawn into the muscle cell-this gives muscles a fuller, "pumped" feel and look, just what bodybuilders and fitness buffs want. This loading process, therefore, results in a water weight gain of several pounds (or more) in most individuals. This is a good thing for athletes in sports where increased weight and speed (inertia) can be used to your advantage (e.g. football, swinging a bat, or swinging your fist). However, in a sport that requires a high strength-to-weight ratio, it can have a negative impact on performance. \nLA MUSCLE ZMAX -No side effects reported\nVASCULATOR- Does this have Androstenedione in it?? If so, the side effects are: acne, enlarged prostate and baldness. These side effects can be a matter of "routine"! Androstenedione is banned by the International Olympics Committee (IOC). To quote the respected Dr Michael Colgan: "users of Androstenedione beware... it could easily set you up for prostate disease".
602380
I'd say "yes" as the creatine won't last in ya body for a month.. But only if ya stop for a month..  Good luck  !! Train Hard  ....
34376
Hard work.  Since this is a precursor (I think) to testosterone, it effects the hormones in the body.  However, something such as creatine has much evidence to enhance strength and edurance as well as give a pumped apperarance (usually due to water retention.  The adro can have nasty side effects such as "bacne" (pimples on shoulders and back) and gynocomasteia (bit** t*ts).
623342
Your trying to compare apples and oranges.  They're two very different supplements with very different mechanisms in the human body.  \n\nWhey protein is loaded with both essential and non-essential amino acids and is primarily used to accelerate muscle development and aid in recovery.\n\nCreatine is designed to increase the production and availability of ATP, specifically for the first few seconds of intense activity.\n\nIt is probably the only supplement on the market that can actually help you increase your loads, power and size in a realtively short period of time. \n\nPROS\n- Increases the availability of energy for first 6-10s of power related movements\n- It increases muscle strength and power\n- May improve some endurance and delay fatigue. \n- Forces water into your muscles (cell volumization), making muscles bigger and firmer. Do not confuse this with water retention that happens outside the muscle cells, making the muscles look smooth. \n- Gain weight quickly (if that is a desired goal) 4-8 pounds is common in the first three (mostly due to increase of body fluids in the muscles). \n- Gain muscle faster since your able to lift greater loads longer due to reduced fatigue and leverage.\n\nCONS\n- Weight, strength and power gain are quickly lost approx 2-3 weeks after termination of last cycle\n- There have been some outrageous claims of Creatine causing everything from high blood pressure to cancer, but these have never been proven. There are no scientifically proven side effects from moderate Creatine supplementation.\n\nhttp://preventdisease.com/news/articles/creatine_and_teens.shtml\nhttp://preventdisease.com/news/articles/creatine_boosts_brain_power.shtml\n.\n.
183273
That's quite the plagiarism by danskecat.  I thought you were to supposed to cite the source when you just copy and paste something straight from a website.\n\nYes, it is safe to mix the two, but it will affect the effectiveness and delivery of the creatine.  Creatine needs a delivery transport system such as dextrose or equivalent so that the body readily absorbs it into the cells.  IF you mix it with protein, you are dramatically changing that delivery mechanism and you may be decreasing your absorption by a large percentage.  So although it's safe, it's in your best interests to not mix them unless you're drinking a prepared bottle that has been specifically formulated and tested for its effectiveness.
367767
Doesn't creatine naturally occur in our bodies when we eat lots of meat? I think that's correct, and if it is, then the FDA doesn't need to approve it and it obviously safe.\n\nDo a search for it... make sure.
1008193
i mainly see it as a supplement for working out.  it's safe for working out so i don't see why it would be a problem for runners.  the main side effects are that it gives you the sh*ts. =]  but not all people get this problem.
467739
No good. Don't waste your money. A good supplement is a great addition to a diet/exercise routine. I've had great success with Lipo 6.
1096305
Patience, there is no quick miracle.  Long term health is what your looking for.  Creatin is safe but educate yourself on it.  But patience is key, fitness is a life time of work.
236825
weight gain.\nTalk to a personal trainer for tips.\nOtherwise there are no bad side effects.
903403
Creatine is FDA approved, but they have not determined its safety.  It has been known to create kidney problems, which can lead to renal failure and many other diseases.  I have attached an passage from the University of Connecticut Health Center.  I hope it helps.\n\nHave fun!
483710
glutamine PEPTIDES are ok to be taken with creatine.  L-glutamine (notice the L) such as gluFM should be taken by itself.  the glutamine and creatine do compete with each other and so one will win and the other will lose.  the peptides are more stable and more soluble (L-glutaminei s not soluble).\n\nso unless you have a product that has glutamine + creatine in it, you can take L-glutamine and creatine roughly 1-2 hours apart.
86696
I used it a year ago. It gave me huge pumps during my workouts but i did not like the feeling it gave me, made me feel week. It is in no way bad for you though becuase it is mainly vascular ie. it is very good for the blood vessel. It will not give you any long term gains just the great illusion of a huge pump after your workouts.\n\nLove the taste of it. I heard from many people wiser that i that even those who do not work out would benefit from using it especially those with vascular conditions, but that is only what i heard not what i have studies.
168186
It does work if you ensure that you drink plenty of water, but use caution.... after you discontinue use, even if you continue to lift weights that you will lose muscle size.  Once you start using it, you have to continue using it or lose what you achieved with it.  Here's a tip, use D-Bol and Winni-V.  It is a form of legal steroid.  It is much more expensive, but the affects are much better than that of creatine.