Side effects of Creatine
Creatine side effects
Creatine is a molecule, naturally present in our foods of animal origin. It facilitates in various bodily enzymatic processes. The major action of creatine is to help generating ATP. ATP is the prime factor to transfer energy in any bodily function. It also helps to build muscle mass.
As creatine is found only in the foods of animal origin (red meat, veal, mutton), vegetarian people usually lack the element if they opt for a stringent exercise schedule to build muscle. Creatine supplements are suitable for everybody but vegetarians may find them particularly beneficial.
In random double-blind control studies, no severe side effect of creatine has been noticed by the experts. However creatine side effects include muscle cramping, the usually wanted side effect of increased weight as creatine helps in water retention from the kidney. You may appear flabby due to increased water in your body. As the muscles also store a huge amount of water (almost 50% of the total body water), it may feel softer to touch. But with regular exercise, the water retention decreases and your muscles feel normal as ever. Some experts link creatine to formation of kidney stones. But it can not be ascertained due to lack of enough evidence. We have a misconception that creatine is an addictive product like anabolic steroids (nandrolone, testosterone). These all are baseless. The chemical property of creatine does not match with steroids. In fact it is a precursor of proteins.