Creatine Response

[Guest guest]

EFreem3407 states:

" And what about the possible health risks of creatine supplements? The

University of Florida one season used creatine supplementation with it's

football team. The results were disastrous. Almost ten men had to be taken off

the field during the first game of the season and given IV fluids. "

Dave States:

You give no source for your information so it's hard to comment. I would be

interested in knowing how it was determined that creatine supplements were 100%

responsible for the effects that you described. Additionally, I am interested

on how " almost ten men had to be taken off the field... " Was one guy partly

taken off the field? Additionally, it's not surprising that any team from

Florida would have players suffering from dehydration or other heat related

effects, due to the extreme temperatures and the high humidity in Florida,

especially since it was the first game of the season.

Efreem340 states:

A simple google search yielded the following article:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Creatine-Side-Effects & id=123610

Use of creatine as a food supplement is on the rise. Despite its usefulness,

creatine is found to have some side effects albeit few. The most common side

effect is weight gain due to more water in the muscle and increase in the

lean-muscle tissue. Other side effects observed were dehydration, muscle cramps,

nausea, diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress and seizures. For persons with

existing kidney or renal disorders, creatine was found to cause renal stress

because of more stress on the kidneys.

The long-term effects of taking creatine over a long period of time haven’t

been established yet. Its side effects when used along with other medications or

supplements also haven’t been determined yet. Hence it is better to be well

informed about the likely side effects of creatine before using it, especially

in the “loading†method. Most creatine supplement products sold

over-the-counter have the precautions and the likely side effects listed on the

label. Manufacturers also provide information when requested. There are several

websites over the Internet that provides useful information about creatine

supplements and their side effects. "

Dave States:

The first mistake you made when researching creatine, was to do a " simple goggle

search. " Why? The " expert author " has no legitimate background in health and

fitness and has no education in the area from what I can see. In fact, she also

states her expert opinions on other subjects that may interest you such as

" Wrought Iron Curtain Rods, " " Online Life Insurance Quotes, " and " Mattress

Warehouses. " If you do a " simple " search of the recent discussions on this

Supertraining forum concerning creatine, you will find several reputable studies

that refute the myths she has stated.

On another subject, anyone with existing " kidney or renal disorders " should not

be using ANY supplements without consulting a Registered Dietitian or Medical

Doctor, in my opinion. Finally, if you had read more carefully what I stated you

would understand that I am asking if she has ever considered the usage of

creatine, due to " ....POSSIBLE negative health outcomes of red meat....which

MAY or MAY NOT be true. " In other words, studies never PROVE anything (this

holds true for consumption of red meat or consumption of creatine).Therefore, my

intention is not to continue a fruitless argument that has been ongoing for a

couple of years. But, rather to get a better understanding of 's thought

processes concerning the subject matter at hand.

has shown to be a hard training, natural athlete, who I would imagine is

always looking for new methods, which may improve her performance, without using

any illegal substances. Therefore, my question is simply out of curiosity

because I enjoy learning the scientific and psychological basis behind why any

hard training athlete from any sport makes certain decisions about substances

that MAY or MAY NOT improve her performance/health. I hope that you now have a

better understanding of my purpose for writing .

Dave Barry

Dearborn Heights, MI USA

Former AAU Mr. America

Former NABBA Mr. USA

In a message dated 4/26/2009 12:22:51 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,

davebarrymramerica@... writes:

,

Over the last couple of years you have been involved in multiple discussions

concerning using the supplement creatine versus eating red meat to get the

creatine.

(1) Getting past the source of creatine, do you believe that it is a valuable

training aid?

If you do believe that it has value, which has been shown in the majority of

studies (my estimate is that it appears to have a positive effect on about

70-80% of the people who use it), have you given consideration to changing your

philosophy slightly? Btw..the study posted by Dr.Ralph today concerning the

dangers of red meat or exaggeration of red meat dangers is very interesting.

Although I have not fully digested the information in detail yet myself.

You have stated, " that your body asks for red meat " ...my quote may be off a bit.

I'd be interested in knowing how your body " asks " for it and how you determined

that belief? Since I have retired from competition, my body seems to " ask " for

sweets often, but I don't think it's the same thing:-)

Anyway, my proposal is this:

Have you given thought to continuing ingesting lean red meats like you have been

for some period of time. However, in light of a substantial amount of evidence

of POSSIBLE negative health outcomes of consuming red meat, which MAY or MAY NOT

be true....what do you think about supplementing a small amount of creatine,

just to be prudent? Therefore, you would still enjoy all the benefits of

creatine, but you'd possibly be decreasing the chance of any negative effects of

the ingestion of red meat.

Personally, I do include lean red meats as part of my meal plan as you do.

However, I also supplement small amounts of creatine in an effort to ensure that

I get enough creatine and at the same time, keep the possible health risks down.

This is just an idea that I'd like to hear and understand your opinion.

Btw...One of the world's leading experts on creatine, Dr. Kreider, is a member

of Supertraining group. I have had several conversations with him via email and

he has been gracious enough to answer many of my questions and concerns of

creatine as well as many other supplements. In fact, he has been involved in

literally hundreds of scientific studies, many including creatine. I recommend

his new book that he has written (along with three other colleagues), which has

a tremendous amount of scientifically based nutrition evidence, along with many

of the latest studies to support his ideas and beliefs. The book, " Exercise and

Sport Nutrition, " can be purchased at www.exerciseandsportnutrition.com For the

record, I have no financial interest in the book. I simply am passing along

information, which is scientifically sound so that other members can enhance

their knowledge and possibly implement some of the evidence presented to improve

their current nutrition

program.

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