Certain people should avoid gym supplement creatine due to worrying side effect
Key Points:
- Creatine is a popular and relatively safe gym supplement known for boosting muscle mass and supporting joint health, but it can have side effects and is not suitable for everyone.
- Nutritionist Alan Aragon calls creatine the "king" of supplements due to its benefits for both muscles and joints, with some users experimenting with higher doses to amplify effects.
- Research from King's College London suggests creatine may improve mental health, particularly by enhancing the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression, but caution is advised, especially for those with bipolar disorder.
- Professor Carmine Pariante warns against excessive creatine intake and highlights the risk of mania in bipolar patients, recommending medical supervision when using creatine for mental health purposes.