Hi all, im asking this because yesterday i went to donate blood for the first time and they asked me stuff about my medical history to make sure im ok to donate.
They asked me if i’m taking or took in the past some supplements and i said yes cause i take creatine monohydrate and protein powder. When the doctor heard this said that i absolutely shouldn’t because it damages my kidneys.
I was a bit shocked because, being someone that just doesn’t trust the internet blindfolded (even when the absolute majoriy of reputable sources are kinda unanimous on saying that creatine is safe to take), before starting with creatine i went to my doctor and asked if i were ok taking it and he said yes just dont exceed the suggested dosage.
so im asking because im no one to dispute a doctor’s claim, but i got two very differente responses from two doctors so i’d like a clearer view on which advice to follow.
thank you :)
It does not make you stronger, only makes you look stronger.
I might be confused, but I thought creatine gives your muscles a minor"second wind" kinda thing so you can push yourself to do some extra reps? It’s not like a steroid kinda thing, I was told.
Kinda, but the effect is almost imperceptible. It’ll help you get like one more rep on your last set, or maybe one more sprint, at sufficient intensity, which is a little bit of extra volume that does add up over time with proper consistency. So, not just “looking stronger.”
The brain health effects that the influencers are talking about now are just hype, though.
What does that even mean?
They might be talking about the muscle retaining more water and thus giving it a fuller appearance.
It means a group of us started lifting in school, same weight, skinny dudes, some took creatine, and put on a lot of muscle quick, but got no stronger, we lifted the same amounts, they weren’t better at our other gym activities either.
Sounds like they were retaining more water rather than quickly putting on a lot of muscle, which is common with creatine usage. I explained what actually happens in another reply.
Creatine helps the muscles store a little more energy which allows it to work harder for longer (minimally).
It also makes you retain water.