Optimum Nutrition Micronised Creatine Powder, 100% Pure Creatine Monohydrate Powder for Performance and Muscle Power, Unflavoured Shake, 93 Servings, 317 g

Product Information

Creatine is an osmotically active substance. Thus, an increase in the body's creatine content could theoretically result in increased water retention. Creatine is taken up into muscle from circulation by a sodium-dependent creatine transporter [ 1]. Since the transport involves sodium, water will also be taken up into muscle to help maintain intracellular osmolality. However, considering the activity of the sodium-potassium pumps, it is not likely that intracellular sodium concentration is dramatically affected by creatine supplementation [ 39].

However, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, creatine does not build muscle. The increase in body mass occurs because creatine causes the muscles to hold water. Creatine is an amino acid,’ explains head of product at Crazy Nutrition, James Aitken. ‘It’s a naturally occurring compound found in small amounts in animal products such as meat and fish. The body also naturally produces creatine in the liver, kidneys and pancreas. Creatine is used in the production and storage of energy in muscle cells.’But that water weight is good. Creatine pulls more water into your muscles, making your muscles bigger and fuller. Creatine is one of the most trusted and widely researched sports supplements in the world, adds Abi Roberts, sports nutritionist at Bulk.com. ‘Creatine supplements are popularly taken by bodybuilders, powerlifters, and athletes for providing immediate energy to the muscles.’ What are the benefits of creatine? Below are some frequently asked questions about high creatinine levels. What is the most common cause of high creatinine? In 1998, a case study of a young male with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and relapsing nephrotic syndrome was reported [ 51]. The young male, who had kidney disease for 8 years and was treated with cyclosporine (i.e., immunosuppressant) for 5 years, had recently begun ingesting creatine supplementation (15 g/day for 7 days; followed by 2 g/day for 7 weeks). Based on increased blood levels of creatinine and subsequent estimate of calculated creatinine clearance, his kidney health was presumed to be deteriorating, although he was otherwise in good health. The patient was encouraged to discontinue creatine supplementation. At this time, it was already known that blood and urine creatinine levels can increase following ingestion of creatine containing food products, including creatine supplements [ 35]. This was ignored by the authors of this case study, as was the inclusion of two investigations which demonstrated that creatine supplementation did not negatively impact renal function [ 52, 53]. The dosage of creatine during the maintenance phase, which was also ignored, was only slightly higher than the daily creatine intake of a typical omnivore’s dietary intake, or in terms of food, a large hamburger or steak per day (meat contains about 0.7 g of creatine / 6 oz. serving; see [ 54]). In response to this case study, two separate teams of experts in creatine metabolism wrote letters to the editor of Lancet [ 53, 55]. However, the notion that creatine supplementation leads to kidney damage and/or renal dysfunction gained traction and momentum. Many people with high blood pressure experience no symptoms, and doctors may only detect the issue during a regular health screening. Heart disease

Prompt treatment can reduce any potential kidney damage and increase the likelihood of a complete recovery.If you’ve ever looked into supplements to support your training, the chances are you’ll have heard of creatine. Creatine is one of the most popular and effective supplements around – and there’s plenty of scientific evidence around its efficacy. Numerous studies show that taking creatine can help to increase strength, power, muscle growth and muscle performance. What actually is creatine? One of the longest studies to date — lasting for 4 years — similarly concluded that creatine has no negative side effects ( 19). It is obtained from meat and fish and can also be produced naturally in your body from amino acids ( 2). For this reason, the recommended serving is set at 3–5 grams. The 20-gram loading protocol is also split into 4 servings of 5 grams each over a day ( 2). Creatine is an endogenous amino acid derivative produced by vertebrate animals and occurring primarily in muscle cells, according to the National Institutes of Health.

In summary, while there is some evidence to suggest that creatine supplementation increases water retention, primarily attributed to increases in intracellular volume, over the short term, there are several other studies suggesting it does not alter total body water (intra or extracellular) relative to muscle mass over longer periods of time. As a result, creatine supplementation may not lead to water retention. Is creatine an anabolic steroid?Despite this negative press, the International Society of Sports Nutrition regards creatine as extremely safe, concluding that it is one of the most beneficial sports supplements available ( 2). Report on an assessment of the risks of creatine on the consumer and of the veracity of the claims relating to sports performance and the increase of muscle mass. (n.d.) Hellem, T. L., Sung, Y. H., Shi, X. F., Pett, M. A., Latendresse, G., Morgan, J. ... Renshaw, P. F. (2015, October 12). Creatine as a novel treatment for depression in females using methamphetamine: A pilot study. Journal of Dual Diagnosis, 189-202 As with any supplement, it is best to opt for moderate use, and to discuss it first with a physician. Whenever possible, nutrients should first come from natural sources.

A 2001 study published in the journal Pediatrics found children as young as age 10 were using creatine. Of the more than 1,000 student athletes surveyed in Westchester County, N.Y., about 5 percent reported using creatine. However, 44 percent of high-school senior athletes admitted taking creatine for both athletic performance and appearance. Doctors take a blood sample to test creatinine levels. They then use a formula to estimate creatinine clearance. Creatinine is a blood chemical waste product made when you use muscles. Learn about home remedies to naturally lower your creatinine levels. READ MOREA 3-year study of college athletes found that those taking creatine had fewer cases of dehydration, muscle cramps, or muscle injuries than those not taking it. They also missed fewer sessions due to illness or injury ( 7). Another popular study often cited in the media reported kidney disease in a male weightlifter who supplemented with creatine ( 20). Lupus, Goodpasture’s syndrome, and infections can cause glomerulonephritis, which can lead to kidney damage and failure. According to the British Medical Journal, the usual reference range for serum creatinine is 60–110 micromoles per liter (mcmol/l), or 0.7–1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), for males and 45–90 mcmol/l (0.5–1.0 mg/dl) for females. In mouse models of Parkinson’s disease, creatine was able to prevent the loss of cells that are typically affected by the condition.