Creatine: (Everything You Need To Know)

[WillBrink]

Good review on species specific effects of creatine and the wide range of potential health/med benefits:

Species-specific responses to creatine supplementation

creatine is a naturally occurring guanidino compound that is synthesized in the liver and kidney or obtained in small quantities from the diet primarily from meat and fish. Oral creatine monohydrate supplementation (e.g., 20 g/day × 5 days) has been reported to increase muscle creatine and phosphocreatine (PC) content by 15-40%, enhance the cellular bioenergetics of the phos****en system, improve the shuttling of high-energy phosphates between the mitochondria and cytosol via the creatine phosphate shuttle, and enhance the activity of various metabolic pathways influenced by creatine kinases. For this reason, there has been significant interest in determining whether creatine supplementation can enhance exercise and/or training adaptations as well as provide therapeutic benefit for various patient populations. Most studies indicate that short-term creatine supplementation can improve high-intensity exercise performance and improve gains in strength, power, and muscle mass during training. Consequently, creatine has become a popular nutritional supplement among athletes. More recently, the potential therapeutic benefits of creatine supplementation have been evaluated in patients with a variety of metabolic disorders, neuromuscular diseases, and recovery after musculoskeletal injury. These findings have indicated that creatine may serve as a promising ergogenic aid for athletes as well as offer some clinical benefit for certain patient populations.

Cont:

https://journals.physiology.org/doi/...gu.00375.2003?

[WillBrink]

A friend of mine told me to take 2 pills before and 2 pills after workout on training days. On non-training days just 2 pills.... but on the box it says 1 before 1 after :-/ Im asking about this product https://bg.bodybuilding.com/store/aa...l?skuId=AAP003 (120 tablet size). I am 183cm/6'0 tall and 78kg/174 pounds.

Read OP? Just use CM...

[WillBrink]

Great review by two gents I know well. Remember, when someone claims creatine is "just for gym types" or claims it's some how toxic, they are 100% wrong on both:

Creatine in Health and Disease

Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020447

Abstract

Although creatine has been mostly studied as an ergogenic aid for exercise, training, and sport, several health and potential therapeutic benefits have been reported. This is because creatine plays a critical role in cellular metabolism, particularly during metabolically stressed states, and limitations in the ability to transport and/or store creatine can impair metabolism. Moreover, increasing availability of creatine in tissue may enhance cellular metabolism and thereby lessen the severity of injury and/or disease conditions, particularly when oxygen availability is compromised. This systematic review assesses the peer-reviewed scientific and medical evidence related to creatine’s role in promoting general health as we age and how creatine supplementation has been used as a nutritional strategy to help individuals recover from injury and/or manage chronic disease. Additionally, it provides reasonable conclusions about the role of creatine on health and disease based on current scientific evidence. Based on this analysis, it can be concluded that creatine supplementation has several health and therapeutic benefits throughout the lifespan.

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/2/447

[WillBrink]

J ust out, a potentially important paper:

Creatine Metabolism in Female Reproduction, Pregnancy and Newborn Health

Abstract

Creatine metabolism is an important component of cellular energy homeostasis. Via the creatine kinase circuit, creatine derived from our diet or synthesized endogenously provides spatial and temporal maintenance of intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production; this is particularly important for cells with high or fluctuating energy demands. The use of this circuit by tissues within the female reproductive system, as well as the placenta and the developing fetus during pregnancy is apparent throughout the literature, with some studies linking perturbations in creatine metabolism to reduced fertility and poor pregnancy outcomes.

Maternal dietary creatine supplementation during pregnancy as a safeguard against hypoxia-induced perinatal injury, particularly that of the brain, has also been widely studied in pre-clinical in vitro and small animal models. However, there is still no consensus on whether creatine is essential for successful reproduction.

This review consolidates the available literature on creatine metabolism in female reproduction, pregnancy and the early neonatal period. Creatine metabolism is discussed in relation to cellular bioenergetics and de novo synthesis, as well as the potential to use dietary creatine in a reproductive setting. We highlight the apparent knowledge gaps and the research “road forward” to understand, and then utilize, creatine to improve reproductive health and perinatal outcomes.

Paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/2/490

[WillBrink]

An important paper on the potential use of Creatine in Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome and Diagnosis:

Diagnostic and Pharmacological Potency of Creatine in Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract

Post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) is a widespread chronic neurological disease with no definite etiological factor(s), no actual diagnostic test, and no approved pharmacological treatment, therapy, or cure. Among other features, PVFS could be accompanied by various irregularities in creatine metabolism, perturbing either tissue levels of creatine in the brain, the rates of phosphocreatine resynthesis in the skeletal muscle, or the concentrations of the enzyme creatine kinase in the blood. Furthermore, supplemental creatine and related guanidino compounds appear to impact both patient- and clinician-reported outcomes in syndromes and maladies with chronic fatigue. This paper critically overviews the most common disturbances in creatine metabolism in various PVFS populations, summarizes human trials on dietary creatine and creatine analogs in the syndrome, and discusses new frontiers and open questions for using creatine in a post-COVID-19 world.

Full paper:

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/2/503/htm

[WillBrink]

Hot off the presses y'all:

Potential of Creatine in Glucose Management and Diabetes

Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 570;

Abstract

Creatine is one of the most popular supplements worldwide, and it is frequently used by both athletic and non-athletic populations to improve power, strength, muscle mass and performance. A growing body of evidence has been identified potential therapeutic effects of creatine in a wide variety of clinical conditions, such as cancer, muscle dystrophy and neurodegenerative disorders.

Evidence has suggested that creatine supplementation alone, and mainly in combination with exercise training, may improve glucose metabolism in health individuals and insulin-resistant individuals, such as in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Creatine itself may stimulate insulin secretion in vitro, improve muscle glycogen stores and ameliorate hyperglycemia in animals. In addition, exercise induces numerous metabolic benefits, including increases in insulin-independent muscle glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity.

It has been speculated that creatine supplementation combined with exercise training could result in additional improvements in glucose metabolism when compared with each intervention separately. The possible mechanism underlying the effects of combined exercise and creatine supplementation is an enhanced glucose transport into muscle cell by type 4 glucose transporter (GLUT-4) translocation to sarcolemma. Although preliminary findings from small-scale trials involving patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are promising, the efficacy of creatine for improving glycemic control is yet to be confirmed.

In this review, we aim to explore the possible therapeutic role of creatine supplementation on glucose management and as a potential anti-diabetic intervention, summarizing the current knowledge and highlighting the research gaps.

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/2/570/htm

[WillBrink]

Review paper on Monohydrate vs other forms. I covered that topic over a decade ago (1), but new review paper concludes as expected, CM, is still the way to go:

Efficacy of Alternative Forms of Creatine Supplementation on Improving Performance and Body Composition in Healthy Subjects

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research: February 11, 2021

Abstract

Novel forms of creatine have appeared in the marketplace with substantial claims of improved efficacy compared to creatine monohydrate (CrM). The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review on alternative forms of creatine to determine (a) whether they are effective ergogenic aids and (b) whether they outperform CrM. A separate comparison was conducted to determine average cost of various forms of creatine. Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar were systematically reviewed according to PRISMA guidelines. The design of the review was set to answer the PICOS model (participants, interventions, comparators, outcomes, and study design).

Seventeen randomized placebo controlled clinical trials examining exercise performance outcomes and body composition were included in the analysis. Magnesium-creatine chelate and creatine citrate, malate, ethyl ester, nitrate, and pyruvate were the only forms researched in the literature. Of these studies, only 3 studies compared the alternative creatine form to CrM, making it difficult to compare efficacy to CrM. There were no consistent findings of performance enhancement among alternative forms of creatine when compared to placebo.

A review of the marketplace shows that CrM is the lowest cost form of creatine. Due to the paucity of studies on alternative forms of creatine as well as high prices on the market of these alternative forms, CrM remains as the most extensively studied form of creatine that shows efficacy, safety, and lowest cost to consumer.

Source:

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/A...CJnet8FAY2JerA

(1) https://brinkzone.com/the-creatine-grave-yard/

[anonymous]

Has it been discussed here about the use of creatine and the apparent susceptibility of depression or anxiety for those with mental illness?

Lovely OP btw thank you v much.

[WillBrink]

Has it been discussed here about the use of creatine and the apparent susceptibility of depression or anxiety for those with mental illness?

Lovely OP btw thank you v much.

All the data we have, some of which I have posted in this thread, strongly suggests improved mood, reduced depression, etc. There's no data suggesting increased susceptibility of depression or anxiety. Quite the opposite in fact.

[anonymous]

Just testing you mate....

I found these:

'Creatine may interact with other neurotransmitter systems, such as the monoamines and adenosine"

and

'In depressed women, adding creatine to an SSRI seems to enhance the medication's antidepressant effects"


No harm in trying. I do however recall having some massively weird anxiety turns on whey supplements, after coming on here the boys and girls suggested it may be something else chemical inside the supplement that was having contraindications with my SSRI medication.

No harm in trying it again and monitoring my mood. I will soon know if I log it with more down days.

However I also found there to be kidney pain and issues in some Amazon reviews: Some examples. forgive me if already covered.


1.

Tried it on 6-7 occasions after working out and each time gave me kidney pain at 1 scoop. Took it out of my shake and it stopped. Would rather use my regular brand than risk any long term kidney damage. Threw the whole bottle out.

2.

This is counterfeit!! DO NOT BUY. The packaging is different and I had to go to the ER with dehydration and a kidney issue. If you look at the Optimum Nutrition website the branding is a different color. DO NOT BUY.

3. From Google.

Increased creatinine levels will damage kidneys 8). Damaged Kidneys are non reversible. I think by now it is very obvious that creatinine that is ingested from the conversion of creatine-creatinine is toxic, dangerous and even life threatening.

4.

11 Oct 2010 — There is less concern today than there used to be about possible kidney damage from creatine, although there are reports of kidney damage, such as interstitial nephritis.


5.

16 May 2013 — In fact, there is compelling evidence indicating that high-protein diets can accelerate renal deterioration in individuals with chronic kidney disease ...

6.

8 Jan 2010 — We report a series of patients referred for investigation of kidney disease (both acute and chronic) in whom ingestion of protein and creatine ...

I WILL SAY: that there are more studies saying the opposite.. but I do recall not creatine - but kidney stones on two occasions whilst using whey. ( different subject but anyway )


Seems like a wonder drug like HGH. I am in. I will research the purest mix. If you know of one, even better.

[WillBrink]

A friend of mine told me to take 2 pills before and 2 pills after workout on training days. On non-training days just 2 pills.... but on the box it says 1 before 1 after :-/ Im asking about this product https://bg.bodybuilding.com/store/aa...l?skuId=AAP003 (120 tablet size). I am 183cm/6'0 tall and 78kg/174 pounds.

Creatine pills are a waste of $ being the powder is tasteless and dirt cheap, and the only form of creatine I recommend, is monohydrate due all the studies using that form, and or the few studies that actually compared to CM to other forms, had CM the better choice.

[WillBrink]

Hot off the presses:

The Role of Creatine in the Development and Activation of Immune Responses

Abstract

The use of dietary supplements has become increasingly common over the past 20 years. Whereas supplements were formerly used mainly by elite athletes, age and fitness status no longer dictates who uses these substances. Indeed, many nutritional supplements are recommended by health care professionals to their patients. Creatine (CR) is a widely used dietary supplement that has been well-studied for its effects on performance and health. CR also aids in recovery from strenuous bouts of exercise by reducing inflammation. Although CR is considered to be very safe in recommended doses, a caveat is that a preponderance of the studies have focused upon young athletic individuals; thus there is limited knowledge regarding the effects of CR on children or the elderly.

In this review, we examine the potential of CR to impact the host outside of the musculoskeletal system, specifically, the immune system, and discuss the available data demonstrating that CR can impact both innate and adaptive immune responses, together with how the effects on the immune system might be exploited to enhance human health.

Full paper:

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/3/751/htm

[WillBrink]

Good review paper:

The Potential Role of Creatine in Vascular Health

Abstract

Creatine is an organic compound, consumed exogenously in the diet and synthesized endogenously via an intricate inter-organ process. Functioning in conjunction with creatine kinase, creatine has long been known for its pivotal role in cellular energy provision and energy shuttling. In addition to the abundance of evidence supporting the ergogenic benefits of creatine supplementation, recent evidence suggests a far broader application for creatine within various myopathies, neurodegenerative diseases, and other pathologies.

Furthermore, creatine has been found to exhibit non-energy related properties, contributing as a possible direct and in-direct antioxidant and eliciting anti-inflammatory effects. In spite of the new clinical success of supplemental creatine, there is little scientific insight into the potential effects of creatine on cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of mortality.

Taking into consideration the non-energy related actions of creatine, highlighted in this review, it can be speculated that creatine supplementation may serve as an adjuvant therapy for the management of vascular health in at-risk populations. This review, therefore, not only aims to summarize the current literature surrounding creatine and vascular health, but to also shed light onto the potential mechanisms in which creatine may be able to serve as a beneficial supplement capable of imparting vascular-protective properties and promoting vascular health.

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/3/857/htm

[WillBrink]

However I also found there to be kidney pain and issues in some Amazon reviews: Some examples. forgive me if already covered.
.

Pages and pages of studies posted in this thread on decades of safety data etc, may carry a tad more creds than random Amazon reviews...

[WillBrink]

Good review paper:

Creatine Supplementation, Physical Exercise and Oxidative Stress Markers: A Review of the Mechanisms and Effectiveness

Nutrients 2021, 13(3), 869

Abstract

Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their elimination by antioxidant mechanisms. ROS degrade biogenic substances such as deoxyribonucleic acid, lipids, and proteins, which in turn may lead to oxidative tissue damage. One of the physiological conditions currently associated with enhanced oxidative stress is exercise. Although a period of intense training may cause oxidative damage to muscle fibers, regular exercise helps increase the cells’ ability to reduce the ROS over-accumulation.

Regular moderate-intensity exercise has been shown to increase antioxidant defense. Endogenous antioxidants cannot completely prevent oxidative damage under the physiological and pathological conditions (intense exercise and exercise at altitude). These conditions may disturb the endogenous antioxidant balance and increase oxidative stress. In this case, the use of antioxidant supplements such as creatine can have positive effects on the antioxidant system. Creatine is made up of two essential amino acids, arginine and methionine, and one non-essential amino acid, glycine. The exact action mechanism of creatine as an antioxidant is not known. However, it has been shown to increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the capability to eliminate ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS).

It seems that the antioxidant effects of creatine may be due to various mechanisms such as its indirect (i.e., increased or normalized cell energy status) and direct (i.e., maintaining mitochondrial integrity) mechanisms. Creatine supplement consumption may have a synergistic effect with training, but the intensity and duration of training can play an important role in the antioxidant activity. In this study, the researchers attempted to review the literature on the effects of creatine supplementation and physical exercise on oxidative stress.

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/3/869

[WillBrink]

And there's still derpa derps claiming creatine is bad for the heart...just published:

Gents, FYI:

Role of Creatine in the Heart: Health and Disease

Abstract

Creatine is a key player in heart contraction and energy metabolism. Creatine supplementation (throughout the paper, only supplementation with creatine monohydrate will be reviewed, as this is by far the most used and best-known way of supplementing creatine) increases creatine content even in the normal heart, and it is generally safe. In heart failure, creatine and phosphocreatine decrease because of decreased expression of the creatine transporter, and because phosphocreatine degrades to prevent adenosine triphosphate (ATP) exhaustion. This causes decreased contractility reserve of the myocardium and correlates with left ventricular ejection fraction, and it is a predictor of mortality. Thus, there is a strong rationale to supplement with creatine the failing heart.

Pending additional trials, creatine supplementation in heart failure may be useful given data showing its effectiveness (1) against specific parameters of heart failure, and (2) against the decrease in muscle strength and endurance of heart failure patients. In heart ischemia, the majority of trials used phosphocreatine, whose mechanism of action is mostly unrelated to changes in the ergogenic creatine-phosphocreatine system. Nevertheless, preliminary data with creatine supplementation are encouraging, and warrant additional studies. Prevention of cardiac toxicity of the chemotherapy compounds anthracyclines is a novel field where creatine supplementation may also be useful. Creatine effectiveness in this case may be because anthracyclines reduce expression of the creatine transporter, and because of the pleiotropic antioxidant properties of creatine. Moreover, creatine may also reduce concomitant muscle damage by anthracyclines.

Full paper:

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/4/1215/htm

[CBRIT89]

I've had a google around and seen a few positive stories about creatine and bone growth/density.

Are there any widely accepted studies that have focused on bone health?

[WillBrink]

Creatine For IBS?

Looks promising but needs more data for sure:

Creatine Supplementation for Patients with Inflammatory Bowl Diseases: A Scientific Rationale for a Clinical Trial

Nutrients 2021, 13(5), 1429;

Abstract

Based on theoretical considerations, experimental data with cells in vitro, animal studies in vivo, as well as a single case pilot study with one colitis patient, a consolidated hypothesis can be put forward, stating that “oral supplementation with creatine monohydrate (Cr), a pleiotropic cellular energy precursor, is likely to be effective in inducing a favorable response and/or remission in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), like ulcerative colitis and/or Crohn’s disease”.

A current pilot clinical trial that incorporates the use of oral Cr at a dose of 2 × 7 g per day, over an initial period of 2 months in conjunction with ongoing therapies (NCT02463305) will be informative for the proposed larger, more long-term Cr supplementation study of 2 × 3–5 g of Cr per day for a time of 3–6 months. This strategy should be insightful to the potential for Cr in reducing or alleviating the symptoms of IBD.

Supplementation with chemically pure Cr, a natural nutritional supplement, is well tolerated not only by healthy subjects, but also by patients with diverse neuromuscular diseases. If the outcome of such a clinical pilot study with Cr as monotherapy or in conjunction with metformin were positive, oral Cr supplementation could then be used in the future as potentially useful adjuvant therapeutic intervention for patients with IBD, preferably together with standard medication used for treating patients with chronic ulcerative colitis and/or Crohn’s disease

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/5/1429/htm

[Chamilka]

A very comprehensive account on creatine ! Thanks !

[Bodybuildingtr]

This was veryhelpful

[Bodybuildingtr]

This was very helpful

[MaDFroG88]

Creatine pills are a waste of $ being the powder is tasteless and dirt cheap, and the only form of creatine I recommend, is monohydrate due all the studies using that form, and or the few studies that actually compared to CM to other forms, had CM the better choice.

yeah i was not impressed at all, will definitely go back to powder mono!

[WillBrink]

Good review paper on possible benefits in some rehab settings

Nutrients


2021 May 27;13(6):1825.


The Application of Creatine Supplementation in Medical Rehabilitation


Abstract


Numerous health conditions affecting the musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and nervous systems can result in physical dysfunction, impaired performance, muscle weakness, and disuse-induced atrophy. Due to its well-documented anabolic potential, creatine monohydrate has been investigated as a supplemental agent to mitigate the loss of muscle mass and function in a variety of acute and chronic conditions. A review of the literature was conducted to assess the current state of knowledge regarding the effects of creatine supplementation on rehabilitation from immobilization and injury, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiopulmonary disease, and other muscular disorders.


Several of the findings are encouraging, showcasing creatine's potential efficacy as a supplemental agent via preservation of muscle mass, strength, and physical function; however, the results are not consistent. For multiple diseases, only a few creatine studies with small sample sizes have been published, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Rationale for discordant findings is further complicated by differences in disease pathologies, intervention protocols, creatine dosing and duration, and patient population.


While creatine supplementation demonstrates promise as a therapeutic aid, more research is needed to fill gaps in knowledge within medical rehabilitation.


https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34071875/

[shete.prakash]

Creatine warriors - Ahoy there!

I have supplemented creatine in various ways over year(s). Creatine mono / Creatine O Phosphate / Magnesium Creatine Chelate / Kre-Alkalyn.

Recently stumbled across clinical research indicating creatine usage may trigger - Hair loss / Hair thinning in males. Research cited here (pubmed dot ncbi dot nlm dot nih dot gov/19741313/) 'Creatine supplementation may, in part, act through an increased rate of conversion of T to DHT. '

Wanted to know, how this group reacts to the research findings above ?

1. Is there an alternative that does not cause undesired side effects (e.g. hair loss or hair thinning, Androgenetic alopecia a hair loss disorder affecting males)? Or,
2. Have we conclude this (If I may) - key benefits of using Creatine Mono far outweigh the side effects - hair loss/thinning ?

I understand, no-one here is obligated to believe, one article that suggests to the contrary (i.e. creatine is bad for your hair), in the end it has to be - to each their own.

[WillBrink]

Creatine warriors - Ahoy there!

I have supplemented creatine in various ways over year(s). Creatine mono / Creatine O Phosphate / Magnesium Creatine Chelate / Kre-Alkalyn.

Recently stumbled across clinical research indicating creatine usage may trigger - Hair loss / Hair thinning in males. Research cited here (pubmed dot ncbi dot nlm dot nih dot gov/1974133/) 'Creatine supplementation may, in part, act through an increased rate of conversion of T to DHT. '

Wanted to know, how this group reacts to the research findings above ?

Astounding that myth refuses to go away based on one bad paper decades old, addressed various places in this thread, but:

For non scientists:

https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com...misconceptions

The paper to read debunking the usual myths:

https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/arti...70-021-00412-w

[user6123]

is it correct to say that there has been no other studies except that old one, which would look directly at DHT?

[WillBrink]

is it correct to say that there has been no other studies except that old one, which would look directly at DHT?

Yes, read links supplied also. No studies before or after. Nadda, zip.

[user6123]

ok i looked into the links and i think i understand that it probably does not cause baldness.

but still ... it seems that there could be some more research done that would clear it up. there seem to be some unanswered questions as per the paper:

"...it is possible that creatine supplementation upregulated 5-alpha-reductase activity in these males (potentially leading to increased formation of DHT)..."
https***//jissn.biomedcentral***com/articles/10.1186/s12970-021-00412-w

then, I was reading another article about DHT and creatine which says:

"A 6-month double-blind RCT was recently launched https***//clinicaltrials***gov/ct2/show/NCT04298840 to help provide better data to answer this question. We will update this page when the results are published."
https***//examine***com/nutrition/does-creatine-cause-hairloss/

and the study page says:

"Estimated Study Completion Date : February 2022"
https***//clinicaltrials***gov/ct2/show/NCT04298840

so thats a cool thing, no? seems to me there will be a better answer to this soon enough?

My whole issue is that, yes i wouldnt be afraid of creatine making me bald ... but i am already getting less hair, and i am putting minoxidil on it, trying to fight it... so i am not sure about doing something that might be counterproductive in this regard ...

my thinking is that even though the answer to the "does creatine cause baldness?" question might be "no", im not sure if it is also the answer is the to the question "can creatine make you go bald faster if you are already balding?".

[WillBrink]

ok i looked into the links and i think i understand that it probably does not cause baldness.

but still ... it seems that there could be some more research done that would clear it up. there seem to be some unanswered questions as per the paper:

"...it is possible that creatine supplementation upregulated 5-alpha-reductase activity in these males (potentially leading to increased formation of DHT)..."
https***//jissn.biomedcentral***com/articles/10.1186/s12970-021-00412-w

then, I was reading another article about DHT and creatine which says:

"A 6-month double-blind RCT was recently launched https***//clinicaltrials***gov/ct2/show/NCT04298840 to help provide better data to answer this question. We will update this page when the results are published."
https***//examine***com/nutrition/does-creatine-cause-hairloss/

and the study page says:

"Estimated Study Completion Date : February 2022"
https***//clinicaltrials***gov/ct2/show/NCT04298840

so thats a cool thing, no? seems to me there will be a better answer to this soon enough?

My whole issue is that, yes i wouldnt be afraid of creatine making me bald ... but i am already getting less hair, and i am putting minoxidil on it, trying to fight it... so i am not sure about doing something that might be counterproductive in this regard ...

my thinking is that even though the answer to the "does creatine cause baldness?" question might be "no", im not sure if it is also the answer is the to the question "can creatine make you go bald faster if you are already balding?".

To me, seems like a waste of $ and energy, but, sure, will be interesting to see the results of that one.

[WillBrink]

The result of this study are odd but interesting:

Creatine and Cognitive Functioning: What is the role of Exercise Frequency?
Jonathan B. Banks, Jose Antonio, Amanda S. Holtzman, et al.

Abstract

Creatine consumption appears to have a positive impact on cognitive function in different populations but the effects of creatine in a young, healthy population are mixed. Additionally, exercise appears to benefit cognitive processes in young and older adults. The present study explored the ways in which exercise frequency may moderate the effect of creatine consumption on working memory, sustained attention, mind wandering, and speed of processing, in a young, healthy, adult population. Forty-two individuals were randomly assigned to a creatine condition (n = 20) or a control condition (n = 22). For each session, participants completed the Symmetry Span Task, Sustained Attention to Response Task with thought probes, the Pattern Comparison Task, Daily Inventory of Stressful Events, Perceived Stress Scale, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and supplied a saliva sample. Participants in the creatine supplementation condition were instructed to consume 5g of creatine monohydrate per day for a 6-week period between sessions. Results suggested that exercise frequency was related to differences in working memory task performance. Exercise frequency moderated the effect of creatine consumption on sustained attention and mind wandering, such that beneficial effects were observed only among participants who consumed creatine and reported less frequent exercise. Results from this study suggest that creatine supplementation can serve as a possible aid to cognitive functioning in individuals who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

https://nsuworks.nova.edu/neurosports/vol1/iss1/9/