Creatine FAQ

[.V.]

Thank you - finally a clear cut answer to a question I've had (I'm sure I'm not the only one who's wondered about this) for a long time. Guess it's time to buy some plain creatine and not just the "spiked" kind. The "fruit punch" flavored dextrose/creatine mix tastes like pepto-bismol anyway.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by a_welch503

Thank you - finally a clear cut answer to a question I've had (I'm sure I'm not the only one who's wondered about this) for a long time. Guess it's time to buy some plain creatine and not just the "spiked" kind. The "fruit punch" flavored dextrose/creatine mix tastes like pepto-bismol anyway.

Yah, during periods of "time off" from working out, there is no need to spike your metabolism with simple carbs, so just take plain creatine (micronized is even better) with either water or mix it with your protein shake. Good luck man!

[DarkLord]

A quick question about creatine before I go to the gym. How far inadvanced should creatine be taken? Half an hour or an hour etc?

Personally DaLinkWent, I think that creatine is not a waste of time as DOES work but people vary with the natural amount of creatine in there bodies. I always get a good workout out after taking creatine, but it will depend on the amount in your system.

[abear]

Originally Posted by a_welch503

OK, one more creatine question.

I've been using 10g creatine most days, 5g morning and 5 g evening (on advice of a physician who is a great BB). Spiking after workouts dextrose/creatine.

I'm tired, worn out, getting weak and taking a break. I don't want to lose my strength during the break or have to re-load with creatine. Should I go ahead and keep using it even though I'm not lifting for at least the next week - or just stop until my break is over?

Thanks for any help here.

truthfully, even if you do stop you dont have to reload or load. after 28 days of taking 3-5 grams a day, you'll be at the same point if you load or dont load.

personally i only take creatine for a couple of months out the year. i see no reason to be on it all the time but thats just me.

[abear]

Originally Posted by Revolver

I'm pretty new here - I do have a question regarding Creatine, though.

I've heard good things about it from a few friends who have been taking it for a while, and the overall attitude towards it on this forum is definitely positive. I've been thinking about picking some up.

However, a quick search on Yahoo will turn up several of these:

http://www.nutritionalsupplements.co..._0__index.html

http://www.nutritionalsupplements.co...pic.php?t=7750

http://healthandfitness.com/bbs/nutri/messages/300.html

That first link contains links to several other threads complaining of the same problem, a bit further down.

Heart palpitations, heart problems, things such as this - it's not just those two threads complaining about it, either... there are tons of 'em, all over. It seems as though a large number of people have run into those problems - some people suspect that it has to do with alteration of the heart muscle (hypertrophy, wall irregularities, or some sort of thing; I'm really not sure).

Now, I've a history of bad hearts in my family. Nothing when they were young, but a good number of my relatives suffered several heart attacks a bit later in life (late forties or older). I'm still in my early 20s, but this really puts me on edge with creatine.

I know that it's naturally produced by the body - but in most people, it's produced in FAR smaller amounts than what one would supplement with.

On the other hand, I'd really like to give creatine a shot. I'm pretty torn on this. Any advice, opinions, facts, or whatever, would be greatly appreciated.

year after year, research has shown creatine to be pretty safe. that said, it may cause some ppl trouble in some kind of way. most of the ill effects from creatine comes from taking too much. 3-5 grams is more than enough.

have you talked to your doctor about it?

[Mr Mass]

How is creatine dangerous? If its so dangerous and causes heart attacks and risks, Then why do they mass market it?

[Mr Mass]

How is creatine dangerous? If its so dangerous then why are they mass marketing it ? If it causes heart attacks and other problems?

[abear]

creatine isnt dangerous. study after study shows it to be safe and effective for the majority of ppl.

[toolbag]

Is it advised to stop using the maintence dosage of creatine well before doing heavy cardio or playing organized sports? In something like football where hydration is already going to be vital would creatine usage tilt you over the edge in to dehydration at times like these?

[Maxgain]

No creatine should help prevent dehydartion from the water storage

[Grey Ghost]

I have been mixing my protein shake with fresh fruits (i.e. strawberries, mango, kiwi) I am wondering if fresh fruits, when mixed with protein shake and creatine, can become a substitute for dextrose.

[Maxgain]

The sugars will supply approx 30% dextrose the rest fructose which will not help with creatine transport

[.V.]

However, let's not forget that when creatine first came out - people just mixed it with protein and used it. It was still effective - just not nearly as effective as when taken with dextrose - even table sugar is 1/2 dextrose - have some koolaid with it. Or use white grape juice - higher dextrose content than other fruits and fruit juices. Sorry, don't remember the exact amounts - I just use dextrose koolaid. Even gatoraid will help some - but not as well as pure dextrose.

[Grey Ghost]

a welch,

So then, for spiking, you use creatine with koolaid?

[.V.]

Sometimes I make dextrose koolaid enough to equal 40g dextrose/serving and add 5g creatine when I drink it postworkout. Sometimes I just buy premixed dextrose (32g) with creatine (5g) at the store and use it. Either way will work - if you absolutely cannot get dextrose then sucrose (table sugar) will work too, but not as well.