Creatine?

[undrcvr25]

What are the pros and cons of using creatine?
Should women even try it or is it just for men?

I just use soy protein powder now in addition to high protein foods for a total of maybe 100-130g per day.

Thanks

 

[gofigure]

Hi! Here's my take on creatine- avoid it. I'm a figure competitor and tried it hoping to add some muscle. I visited my husband's worksite nurse who did some baseline bloodwork. I took less creatine than was suggested and took a form that did not require you to "load" and taper off. I drank water faithfully-a minimum of 1 gallon/day to avoid the risk of dehydration. After 1 month, I went back to the nurse for bloodwork. The result was that my kidney and liver function tests were now elevated to the point of being out of recommended range and my muscularity was not changed. My kidneys and liver function were functioning within range after a couple of weeks of being creatine free.

I had high hopes for the stuff, but realized what a danger it can be. I took the ethyl ester form in tablets, not powder or the monohydrate version. Hope this helps!

Deena

 

[fit_fairy]

I agree with Deena. I am a Nurse Practitioner and when I worked in family practice I had a patient that was taking creatine and his liver was out of wack!! That was the only thing he was on. He stopped it and liver returned to normal. IMO it's just not worth it.

Catherine

http://www.picturetrail.com/photos/fit_fairy

http://bestsmileys.com/exercising/1.gif

 

[libra01971]

I tried it and didn't see any physical changes but did see weight gain.

 

[Nikkita21]

My dad thinks this is the best stuff on earth. It drives me crazy!! We always argue over using it or not. I personally wouldn't use it. I think you will be fine with just the protein powder and foods.