Pro's and con's of creatine

[GonePostal]

I have always heard that creatine can help you gain more muscle but I was always worried about its potiential side effects... I have read a few studies online but never anything conclusive. I was just wondering if u guys could shed some light on this.

1. Any side effects of creatine. And have you ever suffered from these?
2. What is the extent of it enhancing your gains??

Thanks
:help:

[Shao-LiN]

1. Nope, not really.
2. Extent, I dunno...run a search.

[kinetixtrainer]

Hey Gone,
Stick to the pure creatine. German creatine by prosource is a great source. For $30 you can get 200 servings.
The flavored or the transport is not important, you could just take it with grape or apple juice to spike you insulin.After the first week you will only want to take 5 grams per day. normally before or after your workout. I personally take mine about 45 min. after my workout. some may have other thoughts on the time to take it.
More is not better when it comes to creatine, once your muscle cells are saturated you will be pissing the rest away.
ok during the first 5 days you should do 20-25 grams per day.
broken up into 4-5 servings throughout the day.
If you stick to this dosage and you shouldnt see any sides. The only sides if actually heard of from people ive ran across has been Stomach cramps, bloating feeling, and an increase in BF% however I feel that if you are taking pure and not sugar loaded that would not be a concern. If you decide to take it, give it at least a full month to see the strength and size gains.:strong:

[Shao-LiN]

Loading is unnecessary, but if you do load...10 grams twice a day for 2 days for loading, then continue onto maintenance.

[bradley]

Also make sure that you drink plenty of water while taking creatine.

[LAM]

I can't think of one con when it comes to creatine supplementation

[duque21]

I can think of a "con"...running out and then having to go buy more...It's so cheap these days it does not even really matter.

[GonePostal]

Thanks for the info guys... I'll go out give it a try =)

[fr0ng]

When I take my 5 grams before I hit the gym...I sometimes get small stomach pains as I'm working out...its not too bad though.

[LILFLEX]

Creatine is the best supp out there on the Market that can be use very safely without the harmful side effects as of now

[duque21]

Can any one tell me why in the hell someone would want to take creatine before they work out?????

Where do they get this?

[Shao-LiN]

I take half pre- and half post-workout...there something wrong with it?

[-supernatural-]

the answer to that is most definitely yes.

[bradley]

Originally posted by -supernatural-
the answer to that is most definitely yes.

Why?

[NateDogg]

Originally posted by -supernatural-
the answer to that is most definitely yes.

Very informative...:rolleyes:

[Shao-LiN]

Can you give me a reason why there is a problem with it, supernatural and duque? To my knowledge, I haven't heard any detrimental effects of having it pre- and post-.

[zillamonster]

I never cared much for creatine, and I have tried it in many forms. Upsets my stomach and bloats me. Keeps water in the muscles which is good for the joints, but not worth the bloat to me. I don't use it anymore.

Zilla

[Jilla82]

i take it, but I forget to take it sometimes. Does that really matter?

[duque21]

Well maybe LAM can help me out here, but as I know it creatine works best as a recovery agent as it allows to uptake more into your skeltal muscle cells.

So basically you would want to takeit when your body is loading up nutrients ie. post workout, this is a time when your body goes into an anabolic state and starts to repair. With out really going into it too much this would seem to be the most beneficial tie to take creatine....to help support cellular hydration, protein synthesis. As your body is replenishing its glycogen stores, and there is an abundance of creatine its going to allow you to store more..

This is the "very abridged version" but its generaly why you would want to take it post work out.

[Shao-LiN]

I see. I do believe taking it post-workout is good, but half pre- and half post- seemed to get some praise as well.

[Ti1301]

I'll tell you of a side effect of creatine.
Zits. I get that crap all over and especially on my back.
I recently made a post asking if there was any connection and one member confirmed it.
He went to his doctor and the doctor told him it was the creatine.
He got some antibiotics and stopped creatine and the problem has left him.

[Mystic Eric]

Originally posted by Ti1301
I'll tell you of a side effect of creatine.
Zits. I get that crap all over and especially on my back.
I recently made a post asking if there was any connection and one member confirmed it.
He went to his doctor and the doctor told him it was the creatine.
He got some antibiotics and stopped creatine and the problem has left him.


That is a ridiculous statement. Foods do not cause zits. Steroids cause acne because of the hormonal changes that happen from steroids. Creatine does not alter hormones, therefore creatine does not cause acne.

What I don't get is that med school is very difficult to get into and pass, but there are so many stupid doctors out there.


Oh, and about the 'bloating', that only happens when you don't drink enough water. Creatine can easily dehydrate you and give you nasty things such as bloating and the runs so it'd be wise to drink lots of water.

[Workhorse]

Originally posted by Shao-LiN
I see. I do believe taking it post-workout is good, but half pre- and half post- seemed to get some praise as well.
My opinion........ this is a great way to do it!! Half before and half afterwards, IMHO, is the best way to do it.

Workhorse

[Workhorse]

Originally posted by Shao-LiN
...I imagine the acne is from increased test levels since you're lifting or jacking off more.
If spanking the monkey increased test levels I'd be doin' it 30 times a day!! The small increase you do get from it lasts for about 30 mins... hardly worth the effort.... but then again... in 30 mins you'd be ready to go again! lol

Workhorse

[Shao-LiN]

Zits are caused by increased test levels, bacteria, oily skin. Creatine is not a cause of acne last I checked. It could be coincidence that you received acne when you started taking creatine. I imagine the acne is from increased test levels since you're lifting or jacking off more.