Tag: Creatine monohydrate

Over two-thirds of Americans take dietary supplements, but not all are created equal [1.4.1]. When selecting a product, knowing what to avoid in creatine supplements is crucial for ensuring safety, efficacy, and value for your money.

According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition, creatine monohydrate is the most effective ergogenic supplement available for increasing exercise capacity. This means when asking, "What brand of creatine is the most effective?", the most important factor is the type of creatine itself, with monohydrate being the most researched and proven form.

Creatine is one of the most widely used and researched sports supplements in the world, with studies consistently showing its ability to enhance strength and exercise performance. But for those considering supplementation, the central question remains: **Does creatine supplement actually work** for building muscle, boosting athletic performance, and supporting overall health?

Surveys show that between 17% and 74% of athletes across various sports and ages use creatine supplements to enhance performance [1.8.5]. Learning how to consume creatine for better results is key to maximizing its benefits, from dosage strategies to timing around your workouts [1.2.2, 1.4.2].

Creatine is one of the most researched sports supplements, with over 700 studies proving its effectiveness for increasing muscle mass and power [1.5.3]. A primary question for users is: do you need to eat anything with creatine to maximize its benefits?

According to discussions on the *Huberman Lab* podcast, creatine is considered one of the most effective and safest supplements available for most healthy individuals. Concerns about **what are the side effects of Andrew Huberman creatine?** should be directed toward the general side effects of creatine monohydrate, as Huberman himself recommends this common, highly-researched form of the supplement.

According to some studies, as many as 50% of NFL players use creatine to gain a competitive edge [1.3.1, 1.3.3]. The widespread, accepted use of this supplement answers the question: **do NFL athletes take creatine?** with a definitive yes.

In 2001, France's food safety agency (AFSSA) linked creatine to potential cancer risks, leading to a nationwide ban. However, this begs the question 'Why is creatine banned in France?' when, in fact, the ban was lifted in 2007 and the supplement is now legal but regulated.

In a 2008 study, taking 10 grams of creatine in a single dose increased the risk of diarrhea by 56% [1.4.7]. While it is a known potential side effect, understanding why **can creatine cause diarrhea** is key to preventing it through proper dosage and hydration [1.2.2, 1.3.6].

With hundreds of studies supporting its effectiveness, creatine is one of the most researched sports supplements available. While highly regarded for safety and performance benefits, some users raise questions about potential side effects. So, can creatine cause a sore throat? Let's examine the evidence.