What is creatine?
Creatine is a compound that is naturally produced in the human body[1] and is also found in certain foods, such as meat and fish.[2] It is a popular supplement among athletes and bodybuilders because it has been shown to increase strength and muscle mass[3] when combined with resistance training. Creatine is also used by some people as a way to improve their cognitive function and athletic performance.[4]
How does creatine work?
Creatine works by increasing the availability of a compound called adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the body.[5] ATP is the primary source of energy for muscle contractions, and when levels are high, it allows muscles to contract more quickly and with greater force.[6] When you take this supplement, it is converted into phosphocreatine in the body, which can then be used to regenerate ATP, providing an additional source of energy for muscles to use during exercise.[7]
What should I be mindful of when using creatine?
If you’ve been asking, ‘Does creatine cause baldness?’ then you’d want to know what to be mindful of when using it. With any supplement, there are a few factors to be aware of when using it. First, you should be aware that you can gain some initial weight due to the water retention that creatine causes.[8]
Additionally, some people may experience gastrointestinal distress, such as bloating and cramping, when they first start using creatine. This is usually temporary and can be relieved by reducing the amount of creatine you take.[9]
Lastly, there are dosing instructions[10] that must be followed when taking creatine. Usually, there would be a loading phase where you would have to take 5 g four times a day (a total of 20 g per day). After the loading phase, there would be a maintenance phase where you would have to take 3 to 5 g for the rest of the period of supplementation.
All in all, it is generally considered safe to use this supplement. Plus, if you’ve had ‘Does creatine cause baldness?’ in your mind, then you’d be pleased to know that studies have shown that there have been no reported links between creatine and an increase in testosterone and DHT levels (often associated with hair loss).[11]
However, it’s always a good idea to speak with a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen, including creatine.
Is creatine a steroid?
No, creatine is not a steroid. It is a naturally occurring organic acid that is found in the body,[12] found in some foods, and is available as a dietary supplement.[13]
Creatine is commonly used by athletes and bodybuilders to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance.[14] Research has shown that creatine is safe to use and incredibly beneficial for those taking fitness seriously.[15]As mentioned, you won’t even have to ask, ‘Does creatine cause baldness?’ anymore, as studies have shown that this substance doesn’t lead to hair loss.[16]
On the other hand, steroids are synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of the male hormone testosterone.[17] They are also often used by athletes and bodybuilders to enhance performance and build muscle mass, but they can have adverse consequences (complications in the heart, liver, etc.) and are banned by most sports organisations.
What are some known side effects of using creatine?
Now that you don’t have to worry about ‘Does creatine cause baldness?’, you might be wondering if there are side effects to begin with. Other than some reports of weight gain due to water retention[18] and stomach bloating on higher doses,[19] there have been little to no findings that show that creatine causes serious health risks for people without any existing diseases or complications.[20]
It’s important to note that you should always connect with a doctor if you want to try creatine. They can assess your situation and make sure that this supplement can be safely taken by you.
What’s great about the service at Mosh is that if your situation calls for a treatment plan, your initial follow-up dosages can be delivered to your doorstep wherever you are in Australia. This way, you won’t have to go out of your way to stay on top of your journey to healthier hair.