Will taking creatine lead to liver disease and kidney failure. There are some disturbing findings from a study published by Baylor University Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation that we must pay close attention to.
First, lets review what “creatine” is and how it impacts our system. Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that is synthesized in the liver and kidney and obtained in small quantities from the diet (primarily meat and fish). Oral creatine monohydrate supplementation has been by 15-40% (if supplemented in large dosages). It can enhance the cellular bioenergetics of the phosphagen system, improve the movement of energy releasing phosphates between the mitochondria and cytosol via the creatine shuttle, and enhance the activity of various metabolic pathways. (Baylor University).
Until recently the only serious “side effect” of creatine reported in the literature was “weight gain“, but that is changing. Concerns are being raised that when one takes to much creatine as a supplement, the body will essentially “shut down” it’s own production of creatine. What good is that? Why, not let the body’s creatine or something from a jar?
Further concerns are over fluid and electrolyte imbalances, as well as kidney, liver and muscle tissue damage with long term use-or use for high dosages. We must be concerned over two recent studies where long term supplementation in mice resulted in damage, and contributed to kidney disease in rats with hypertensionn (high blood pressure). That shouldn’t concern us unless we know any strength and power athletes who might be taking excessive amounts of creatine. Taking creatine for long periods of time or taking it while experiencing high blood pressure.
These studies were performed on rats and mice one might say-and therefore conclude that it could be different in humans. True, but also consider dangerous and unethical to perform such a study on humans, considering the potential for damage.
Create an environment where the body can produce the proper amount of the biochemical compound(in this case creatine-on it’s own through progressive training technique combined with a carefully planned recovery program. Overtraining leads to inefficiency and eventual breakdown and this is the number one cause of poor performance (and possible damage).
Next, your first line of supplementation” should be through the choices you make with the food you eat. We are involved in ongoing research into not only the type of meat, but also fish, cuts of meat and prepartation that impacts nutritional effectiveness of the food you eat! Meat and fish are still the best means of creatine “supplementation“ since is also contains all the essential components needed for growth and again, recovery.
But the exciting future of “nutrition” lies not in the bottle, but on the plate. This is our firm stance. We’re not against all supplementation, but far less supplements (in some cases, none) compared to what the muscle media would have you believe. Third is traditional supplementation. We are not against athletes supplementing their diets with vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and other intelligent products. But we know what athletes and elite performers really do to attain greatness, and it rarely matches the hype you seee in the media.
Considering theo new studies presented and the consequences possible with high or long term creatine supplementation, we continue to recommend a conservative approach to the supplements you take. A teenager will be influenced by the muscle magazine ads proclaiming creatine to be the only true path to strength and power (just like they’d also like you to believe the only way to lose body fat is through “fat burner” supplements). Both incredibly wrong and dangerous.
Athletes must be understanding of how a proper training program with progressive components and clear recovery modes will lead to exceptional growth and peak performance.
