Can Creatine Be Poisonous?
Creatine is a popular supplement among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, but like any supplement, it’s not without risks.
While most people tolerate creatine well, side effects like nausea, diarrhea, cramping, and weight gain can occur. And if you have pre-existing kidney or liver conditions, it’s especially important to check with your doctor before starting it.
Have questions about supplements or possible side effects? Save the Poison Help line in your phone: 1-800-222-1222. It’s fast, free, and confidential.
Transcript with visual descriptions
Visual: A scoop of white creatine powder and the Missouri Poison Center logo.
Visual: On-screen text: “Is creatine safe?”
Sound: [Upbeat dance music begins.]
Visual: Person 1 is in a retro-style room wearing workout clothes.
Person 1: Gotta watch out for the creatine.
Gotta watch out for the creatine.
Sometimes it helps with your gains.
Sometimes it helps with memory.
Sometimes it can be real mean.
Sometimes it will eat your kidneys!
Visual: Person 2 is in a living room wearing a blue shirt.
Person 2: I’m gonna need to see some documentation on that last one actually.
Person 1: All right, here we go.
It’s true.
Visual: A list on screen details the benefits of creatine.
Creatine does these things for you.
Person 2: Yep.
Could I have some time to read that list?
Person 1: No.
Visual: Person 2 is in a room with a purple background.
Person 2: Don’t know why you’re hatin’ on creatine.
I use it every morning for my pre- workout.
Visual: Person 1 is back in the workout room.
Never had a side effect that wasn’t common
Visual: Person 2 is back in the room with a purple background.
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, or cramps,
Visual: Person 2 is back in the living room.
And I still don’t understand why you said it would eat my kidneys!
Visual: Person 1 is back in the workout room.
Person 1: Ugh.
Strike that from the record.
Fine.
I may have embellished that just a bit,
but if you’ve got preexisting conditions of the liver or kidneys,
always checked with your doctor,
Visual: Person 2 is back in the living room.
Person 2: Yes!
Visual: Person 1 is back in the workout room.
Person 1: Protect your organs, don’t give them stress.
Visual: Missouri Poison Center logo and 1-800-222-1222 on screen.
Visual: On-screen text: “Got a poison question? Ask it in the comments below!”
AVO: Save the Missouri Poison Center’s number in your phone for any
poisoning questions you might have.
Visual: On-screen text: “There’s always a poison specialist ready to help!”
