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Creatine:
Liver Disease and Kidney Failure
dramatic
new concerns
Dr. Jack Barnathan
Will taking Creatine lead to liver disease
and kidney failure. There are some disturbing findings from a study published by Baylor University Department of
Health, Human Performance and Recreation that we must pay close attention to.
First, lets review what "creatine"
is and how it impacts our system. Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that is synthesized in the liver and kidney
and obtained in small quantities from the diet (primarily meat and fish). Oral creatine monohydrate supplementation
has been reported to increase muscle creatine and phosphocreatine (C-P) content by 15 - 40% (if supplemented in large dosages).
It can enhance the cellular bioenergetics of the phosphagen system, improve the movement of energy releasing phosphates between
the mitochondria and cytosol via the C-P shuttle, and enhance the activity of various metabolic pathways. (Baylor University).
Until
recently the only serious "side effect" of creatine reported in the literature was "weight gain", but
that is changing. Concerns are being raised that when one takes too much creatine as a supplement, the body will essentially
"shut down" it's own production of creatine. What good is that? Why not let the body produce
it's own? Which do you think is better in quality, your body's creatine or something from a jar?
Further
concerns are over fluid and electrolyte imbalances, as well as kidney, liver and muscle tissue damage with long term use -
or use of high dosages. We must be concerned over two recent studies where long term supplementation in mice resulted in damage, and
contributed to kidney disease in rats with hypertension (high blood pressure). That shouldn't concern us unless we know any strength
and power athletes who might be taking excessive amounts of creatine. Taking creatine for long periods of time or taking
it while experiencing high blood pressure.
Actually, that sounds like every powerlifter I've ever lifted
with... These
studies were performed on rats and mice one might say - and therefore conclude that it could be different in humans.
True, but also consider that the medical researchers involved in these studies considered it too dangerous and unethical to
perform such a study on humans, considering the potential for damage.
The New York Strength and Centers for Strength
Performance Cuisine protocols call for an intelligent approach to all supplementation. First, create an environment where
the body can produce the proper amount of the biochemical compound (in this case
creatine) on it's own through progressive training technique combined with a carefully planned recovery
program. Overtraining leads to inefficiency and eventual breakdown and this is the number one cause of poor performance
(and possible damage).
Next, your first line of "supplementation" should be through the choices you make
with the food you eat. We are involved in ongoing
research into not only the type of meat, but also fish, cuts of meat and preparation that impacts nutritional effectiveness
of the food you eat! Meat and fish are still the best means of creatine "supplementation" since is also contains
all the essential components needed for growth and again, recovery.
But the exciting future of "nutrition"
lies not in the bottle, but on the plate. This is our firm stance. We're not against all supplementation,
but we know through our own clients that Gold Medal winning athletes take far less supplements (in some cases, none) compared
to what the muscle media would have you believe. Third is traditional supplementation. We are not against athletes supplementing
their diets with vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and other intelligent products. But we know what athletes and elite
performers really do to attain greatness, and it rarely matches the hype you see in the media.
Considering
the new studies presented and the consequences possible with high or long term creatine supplementation, we continue to recommend
a conservative approach to the supplements you take.
A
teenager will be influenced by the muscle magazine ads proclaiming Creatine to be the only true path to strength and power
(just like they'd also like you to believe the only way to lose body fat is through "fat burner" supplements).
Both incredibly wrong and dangerous.
Athletes must be understanding of how a proper training program with
progressive components and clear recovery modes will lead to exceptional growth and peak performance.
As for The Centers for
Strength, we wish to focus on permitting the body to produce it's own creatine, and finding the best quality choices for
your meals before considering any other steps. This will give you the foundation to find your true strength at
the studio or gym, and not in a bottle.
Copyright
2006 New York Strength – All Rights Reserved
1. Kreider, Richard
B, Baylor University Editorial, Exercise and Sports Nutrition Laboratory, Editorial Focus 2.
Edmunds JW, Jayapalan S, DiMarco NM, Saboorian MH, and Aukoma HM, Creatine supplementation increases renal disease progression
in rats. AM J Kidney Disease37:73-78, 2001
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