Creatine question

[rash797]

A related question - Sorry if I'm jacking the thread! I have a bag of creatine Monohydrate (MP's). Would anyone use this when on a cut? If so, how?

[Platti]

Personally for me never notice massive changes in my lifting/training but I do put a few pounds on in water retention which I can notice on my body. I love the stuff, tend to use it for 2-3 months before a break with no issues.

[Waterfield]

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It isn't a myth for me. If I drank my normal amount of water but had Creatine, I would wake up the next morning feeling like a dry sponge, have cracked lips and my pee would look like lucozade.

Well if it works for you go for it!

Although I'm pretty sure it was NU who pointed out yellow piss is perfectly normal and it's just minerals. Also:

Putting to rest the myth of creatine supplementation leading to muscle cramps and dehydration -- Dalbo et al. 42 (7): 567 -- British Journal of Sports Medicine

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Abstract
Creatine is one of the most popular athletic supplements with sales surpassing 400 million dollars in 2004. Due to the popularity and efficacy of creatine supplementation over 200 studies have examined the effects of creatine on athletic performance. Despite the abundance of research suggesting the effectiveness and safety of creatine, a fallacy appears to exist among the general public, driven by media claims and anecdotal reports, that creatine supplementation can result in muscle cramps and dehydration. Although a number of published studies have refuted these claims, a recent position statement by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in 2000 advised individuals who are managing their weight and exercising intensely or in hot environments to avoid creatine supplementation. Recent reports now suggest that creatine may enhance performance in hot and/or humid conditions by maintaining haematocrit, aiding thermoregulation and reducing exercising heart rate and sweat rate. Creatine may also positively influence plasma volume during the onset of dehydration. Considering these new published findings, little evidence exists that creatine supplementation in the heat presents additional risk, and this should be taken into consideration as position statements and other related documents are published.

Also if you think about it, the only side effect of taking creatine is water retention, so it's a bit odd that it would make you dehydrated.

[Ben]

I don't disagree, just going from my experience. As soon as I stopped taking it, I felt so much better hydration wise

[Waterfield]

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I don't disagree, just going from my experience. As soon as I stopped taking it, I felt so much better hydration wise

Yup I agree, your well being is important. Besides there are always exceptions to the rules.