What is the most important information I should know about creatine?
Drink plenty of fluid while taking creatine. Although it has not been proven,
dehydration, heat-related illnesses,
muscle cramps, reduced blood volume, and electrolyte
imbalances are expected to be more likely to occur while taking creatine.
Creatine has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of creatine may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances
where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or
other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize
the risk of contamination.
What is creatine?
The use of creatine in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted
by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal/health supplements,
consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with
a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and
coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
Creatine is produced naturally in the kidney, liver, and pancreas of humans. Creatine is
also supplied in meat and fish. Most creatine in the body is stored in the muscles, in the form of
phosphocreatine. Creatine is a quickly available source of energy for muscle contraction.
Creatine is also involved in muscle growth.
Creatine has been used to enhance athletic performance.
Creatine has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of creatine may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances
where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or
other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize
the risk of contamination.
Creatine may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take creatine?
Before taking creatine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you
have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health
supplements. Creatine may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not take creatine without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant.
Do not take creatine without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
There is no information available regarding the use of creatine by children. Do not
give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
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