Creatine. Possibly the most talked-about supplement on the market. It’s managed to be gossiped about in gyms across the country for years, with rumours about its uses and dosage spreading far and wide. But we have good news, the rumours aren’t true.
Our previous videos on creatine have not managed to quench your thirst in learning about this supplement. Luckily, our nutritionist Richie Kirwan is here to put the rumours to rest and answer all of your burning creatine questions.
Can anything affect creatine in combined consumption?
Two of our favourite things. Coffee and creatine. Unfortunately, there has been some research to suggest that caffeine can blunt the effects of creatine. While this isn’t particularly problematic, it just means that you might have to be more careful with your coffee consumption to get the most out of your creatine.
How long does it take for creatine levels in your muscles to drop?
If your muscles are fully saturated, it can take 4-6 weeks for your creatine levels to drop back to normal. What will happen? Not much. You may lose a little bit of weight – this will be water weight. You also might not perform as well in the gym. But you're not going to suddenly lose all your gains.
What is Creapure?
Creapure is a specific form of creatine monohydrate powder. One of the purest forms of creatine available on the market. Purity of 99.9% compared to purity of 98-99%.
What is micronised creatine?
As you might be able to guess, micronised creatine is creatine that’s been micronised. But what that means is the powder is smaller and finer, giving it a greater surface area than ordinary creatine. This increases absorption and decreases the risk of stomach upsets.
Although Richie believes that if creatine monohydrate powder doesn’t cause you stomach upsets, then there’s no need to use micronised creatine.
Does creatine cause hair loss?
One worry for creatine users is the rumour that creatine causes hair loss. Is there any basis to the claim?
There was one study that showed that taking creatine was linked to higher levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that plays a part in balding and hair loss. But no studies to date have found that consuming creatine directly contributes to hair loss. It may sound like splitting hairs, but it’s an important distinction.
And before you lose any hair worrying, DHT only has an effect on people who are genetically disposed to hair loss. So keep your hair on — the rumours are far off the mark.
Take Home Message
There’s plenty more where those came from, check out the video here. We’ll be impressed if you come up with any more questions after that. But if you do, please leave a comment on the video.
Our articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you're concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or introducing any major changes to your diet.
After finishing an internship with Myprotein, Emily returned to university to finish her degree in Business Management and Marketing — before coming back to work full-time with the team. Emily specialises in high-protein recipes, inspiring real-life stories and accessible health and fitness advice, and her work has been featured in The Supplement Magazine. When she’s not in the kitchen baking or cooking, she’s out exploring Manchester’s best food spots, working up an appetite at the gym … or tucked up in bed with a good book.
