Creatine Side Effects
Creatine is one of the safest studied supplements available. Most reported side effects stem from myths or misuse.
Common Concerns
Kidney Damage
No strong evidence in healthy individuals.
Dehydration
Creatine does not inherently cause dehydration.
Bloating
Minor intracellular water retention may occur.
Rare Issues
- Digestive discomfort at high doses
- Temporary weight increase
Who Should Avoid Creatine?
Individuals with diagnosed kidney disease should consult a physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does creatine damage kidneys?
- No strong evidence in healthy individuals. Elevated creatinine on blood tests is expected and not harmful.
- Does creatine cause hair loss?
- Based on a single, unreplicated study. The evidence is extremely weak.
- Is creatine a steroid?
- No. Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in meat and fish with no hormonal activity.
