In the intense world of bodybuilding, athletes are constantly seeking out ways to gain an edge against their competition. From specialized training routines, intense dieting, and supplements, bodybuilders go great lengths in the search for their “perfect physique”. Creatine has been in the spotlight for its benefits for many years now as it has been described as one of the “most well-researched and effective supplements.” However, in this time, it has sparked debates among many whether it’s just a gimmick, a game changer, or “gear.”

What is Creatine?

Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid found commonly in red meats and fish. It is also produced by the human body in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Creatine helps to maintain a continuous supply of energy to the muscles during intense exercise, and replenishes the body’s ATP much faster than the body normally does, which allows you to perform much more efficiently.

The Controversy

Critics of creatine often raise concerns about its safety and potential side effects. Much of these concerns have been disproven, but the controversy still continues. Many argue that creatine is “unnatural” and that taking it takes away a person’s natural status. Despite creatine being a natural compound in the human body, many still place it with steroids like Trenbolone (Tren), Testosterone (Test), and oxandrolone.

Myths:

There are many myths that have been spread about creatine. Some of the most common are as follows: creatine causes hair loss, creatine can lead to kidney damage, and creatine is an anabolic steroid. However, none of these are true. Most of the myths are based upon misconstrued and miscommunicated experiments. One myth, for example, is that creatine causes hair loss. In a 2009 experiment with college rugby players, researchers found that players who took creatine supplements had higher levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) compared to the players who did not. However, no signs of hair loss were found among either group. This experiment led to the myth that creatine causes hair loss because hair loss in men has been associated with high DHT levels. Fortunately, this has not been proven true and the supplement provides no plausible risk for hair loss.

Side Effects:

As creatine is as well-studied as it is, many side effects have been proven to be true when taking the supplement. Many of these side effects are beneficial to the body. Some include faster recovery, enhanced strength. Increased muscle mass, weight gain, endurance improvement, and even cognitive improvements. Despite these benefits, there are some less beneficial effects. These may include weight gain, dehydration, nausea, and stomach pain.

Conclusion

In the end, creatine is a natural supplement that enhances the body’s recovery, endurance, and strength. While many claim it has negative properties to it that make it dangerous to take, it has been studied and proven to be harmless. In my opinion, its benefits outweigh the minor negative side effects. In my experiences with creatine, I have noticed its effects significantly, and I would recommend it to anyone who feels like they’ve hit a plateau in their weight lifting journey.