Should Creatine Powder be Banned?
By: Ben C.
Until now Creatine has been a drug that is universally accepted to
more-than-likely have few side-effects but France's Agency of Medical
Security for Food beg to differ. They say that "particularly in the
long-term" use of creatine, it could even have the potential to cause
cancer. This however is no doubt highly unlikely as it's naturally occurring
in our bodies and some of the foods we eat on a daily basis. But the report
also said that this was "currently insufficiently evaluated". Therefore
personally I would have to say the potential risk of cancer as a result of
Creatine use would be highly unlikely.
The report however, was only aimed very specifically at POWDERED CREATINE
which undoubtedly seems to be an unstable substance as it's mixed separately
with water or juice and sometimes even in other beverages. As Creatine
powder is highly insoluble, large amounts must be ingested - causing what
could mean long-term effects on both the Kidneys and Liver.
This current uncertainty about Creatine in a powder is a reason for what
seems to be a current surge in popularity of Serums (Creatine as a liquid)
which is highly soluble, thus reaching the muscles faster and apparently
'safer' as the creatine moves in and out of organs faster not being allowed
to sit as powders can do. Creatine as a serum also does seem to cause little
side-effects - I have rarely heard complaints from it's users and liquid
Creatine could be the G O.
Creatine as a liquid also doesn't cause water retention like Powdered
Creatine (but is that an advantage?). The same report by France's Agency of
Medical Security for Food also found the increase in muscle was largely due
to water retention cause by the Powdered Creatine which also poses the
question does Creatine actually directly cause you to add muscle or does it
just give you that added energy boost. But does creatine even add energy.
I've seen several reports showing that people have been fatigued by Creatine
although it could be purely coincidental (maybe they were fatigued by
training - that's a very logical answer). For most people it is accepted
worldwide that the benefits of Creatine (in any form) are substantial, which
is the reason why it's been the best supplement (and the safest, till now)
to hit our stores ever. It is beginning to become clear that the only effect
Creatine has on muscle building is that it allows you to workout longer and
harder.
So next time you jump into the Bodybuilding.com store for your monthly
supply of Creatine, split it - half powder and half serum and see which one
you like better. I think you'll probably find there's not a lot of
difference but if you want to feel safe with Creatine stick with liquid
Creatine because "the jury ain't out on Creatine yet!".
Ben C.
benny@toughguy.net
Recommend this article to a friend by e-mail here!
Back To Ben C.'s Main Page
Back To The Articles Main Page.
Related Articles
The Health And Longevity Uses Of Creatine: A Report, Part 1.
The Health And Longevity Uses Of Creatine: A Report, Part 3.
Magnesium Boosts The Effects Of Creatine: Get Big Faster!
