Creatine - How much is too much?

[StateOfTrance]

So most of us know there have been reports that high doses of creatine over long periods of time will have negative affects. No big surprise, too much of anything is bad foryou, but how much really is too much?

I was in a discussion with some dudes at GNC because I was looking around considering alternatives to the regular pre workout powder drinks which contain small amounts of creatine. Now they said, why bother, there is so little in there it barely matters...it's like eating a steak. ok find that may be true, but is eating a steak (and the creatine it contains) every day (or at least 4 times a week) really good for you? I would guess that its not. I personally try to monitor my red meat intake whenever I can. Now that really isnt to say alot cuz I bang down burgers and stuff all the time, I simply keep my eyes open for alternatives if I had alot of meat the day before.

Where do you stand on this? Stuff like this creatine intake question is important to me cuz i dont want to be slowly doing major damage over time and end up with a disheveled kidney or liver years down the road. Would anyone here eat a steak (or that much red meat) a day and feel totally comfortable that its perfectly healthy, related to the creating question or not. Or just workout days, 4-5-6 days a week... Then also relate that question to the creatine quantity alone, is that much creatine bad for you and if it's really that little then maybe these drinks really are ok, at least as far as creatine content goes.

[DEEPER KEMICAL]

Creatine has some interesting properties like decreasing oxidative damage (both from exercise and eschemia/reperfusion injury) and it decreases circulating cortisol levels and may increase growth hormone release if taken before bed. Not bad stuff when you consider it is nearly cheap as dirt!

Regarding dosages I would stick with an inexpensive monohydrate and go anywhere form 5-10g per day. As I mentioned above taking it prior to bed may be good with regards to enhancing growth hormone release. I do not see a need to load or take it with some kind of insulin spikker. When you run out of a bottle maybe wait a week before starting the next one. Buy your Creatine in ½ kilo sizes if possible to ensure freshness as it will hydrolyze if exposed to air for too long.

[StateOfTrance]

Well thats some shit i didnt know. Werd up, time to keep the insanity alive!

[VIGOROUSJONESY]

u gotta cycle off it after 6 weeks

[StateOfTrance]

u gotta cycle off it after 6 weeks

Even with the small amount in pre workouts? It nothing like the dose you get when going on a straight creatine cycle. Lilke I said above, there is probably about as much in a serving as you would find in a steak dinner.

[VIGOROUSJONESY]

Even with the small amount in pre workouts? It nothing like the dose you get when going on a straight creatine cycle. Lilke I said above, there is probably about as much in a serving as you would find in a steak dinner.

im not a fan of the stuff all it did was make my farts stink more and i but on more size but it was water

[StateOfTrance]

I just like the energy from it, thats literally all I want.

[VIGOROUSJONESY]

i just like the energy from it, thats literally all i want.

take bcaas with green tea

[DEEPER KEMICAL]

just get the 100% monohydrate. dont get the ones pre loaded with sugar.

100% is fine to take post workout with carbs for 8 week cycles

[Chris]

just get the 100% monohydrate. dont get the ones pre loaded with sugar.

100% is fine to take post workout with carbs for 8 week cycles

i def don't agree with this at all.

monohydrate has been shown to be way less efective than estered creatine. and the sugar is needed in the transport of creatine. taking creatine in water is pointless you piss it out. Its the reason back in the 90's when monohydrate came out they told you to mix it with grape juice. Simple sugars, quick transport into your creatin stores. Monohydrate takes too long for the body to break down wasting lots of it. its also bloats the fuck out of you. I would go with an esterfied creatine personally, if you want a solid product for creatine i would only buy Cellmass by BSN. you don't need to load like monohydrate, you don't even need to take the shit on your days off it works that good. I take a scoop or 2 a day on my training days, when i am off and when i go on it the difference is about 3-5 pounds of weight. Water? probably but thats one of the reason that makes creaitne good for muscle growth, it makes your muscles retain water so that the enviroment is ripe for muscle growth similar to juice in that aspect. Also with the little bit of water weight behind you, you can push a little more weight further growing your muscles.

Everyones different so you can't loose buy buying a mono container and giving it a whirl, but i been using the shit for a decade on and off, and i have yet to find a creatine that works as well as cell mass for me.

hope that helps.

[AlterEgo]

Just go all natural. I think in the long-run you'll be better off for it and won't have to worry about whatever crazy long-term damage we find out creatine and other supplements for getting bigger / leaner / stronger / etc. do over a 20 year span.

N.

[DEEPER KEMICAL]

i def don't agree with this at all.

monohydrate has been shown to be way less efective than estered creatine. and the sugar is needed in the transport of creatine. taking creatine in water is pointless you piss it out. Its the reason back in the 90's when monohydrate came out they told you to mix it with grape juice. Simple sugars, quick transport into your creatin stores. Monohydrate takes too long for the body to break down wasting lots of it. its also bloats the fuck out of you. I would go with an esterfied creatine personally, if you want a solid product for creatine i would only buy Cellmass by BSN. you don't need to load like monohydrate, you don't even need to take the shit on your days off it works that good. I take a scoop or 2 a day on my training days, when i am off and when i go on it the difference is about 3-5 pounds of weight. Water? probably but thats one of the reason that makes creaitne good for muscle growth, it makes your muscles retain water so that the enviroment is ripe for muscle growth similar to juice in that aspect. Also with the little bit of water weight behind you, you can push a little more weight further growing your muscles.

Everyones different so you can't loose buy buying a mono container and giving it a whirl, but i been using the shit for a decade on and off, and i have yet to find a creatine that works as well as cell mass for me.

hope that helps.
i never said anything about taking it with water. just buying it preloaded with sugar is a no no. why not buy monohydrate and take it with a piece of fruit or like you said, fruit juice? no need for processed shit

[The Kid]

Your body can only use/absorb about 5-10grams a day. IMO I would get Cell Mass. It has no sugar and its a Ethyl Ester not regular Monohydrate. You wont get as bloated from it and IMO it works great. It doesnt put on a lot of size but it keeps your strength up.

If you do get the Mohoydrate and you dont want to take it with juice that loaded with sugar, you can take it with Vanadyl Sulfate, it acts like a "pusher" kind of like insulin. Just dont go to the gym right away or eles you will pass out. lol

[VIGOROUSJONESY]

or u can shoot insulin too but not recommended