Is creatine a bad idea?

[Research123]

Hi is it dodgy if I take creatine? I'm early stage one CLL. I've gone on a vegan low-carb diet and my numbers go down each month with it but I've lost some weight. I wonder if taking creatine to boost my muscles is a bad idea. Thank you!

[baq724]

I am in W&W as well. Stage 1...maybe stage 0 as my lymph nodes have decreased a bit. I work out about 4-5 days a week and drink a pre-workout drink that contains creatine. Since diagnosis, I have gone from 155lbs to about 175lbs and most of it is muscle. (although I need to get rid of a little belly fat now). My natural weight is 165.

I have had no issues with any blood tests as I have been taking supplements since I was diagnosed in 2016. I am 49 and do mostly weight training. As with any supplement, I would consult your doctor. Luckily, my pre-workout drink also has caffeine and some other goodies that help with tiredness. I wouldn't say I get fatigued...I just get sleepy mid day.

[Research123 in reply to baq724]

Thank you yes I guess speaking to the doc is probably a good idea!

[Hidden]

I don't know specifically about creatine use related to CLL, but a couple things:

-It can by itself or in conjunction with working out hard elevate blood creatinine levels and affect EGFR. These are kidney indicators. I had this happen a few years ago myself, and after discontinuing the creatine, these labs went back to normal. The bodybuilding community firmly believes that these labs are actually false positives and that you can disregard such readings in the context of creatine use and working out hard. I still question this logic.

There is a lack of long-term studies in people with reduced kidney function related to creatine use.

There has been discussion about cystatin C compared to creatinine being a more appropriate test for those who take creatine, work out hard and have big muscles .

- You stated low carb. One affect of Keto which results in weight loss is reduced amount of water in muscle cells. Creatine increases the fluid uptake in muscle, so you may have a positive result if you want bigger muscles.

-If in Keto, there is evidence that anerobic output is significantly decreased, glycogen utilization is around 20% compared to eating carbs so if lifting to improve muscle mass, Keto is working against the goal of growing muscle. Creatine helps with utilization of glycogen, so it stands to reason it could help you, but I don't specifically know the combined functional result for low carb plus creatine. However, Keto results for endurance are very good.

zaggini.com/old/media/the-h...

[Research123 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you I appreciate your thoughts. I was I suppose concerned that the creatine might somehow stimulate the cancer

[bigbmanb]

Appears to be some evidence that creatine might be a carcinogen in some cases, but there is also a need for the killer T-Cells to have creatine sciencedaily.com/releases/2....

I have CLL and am in watch and wait. I'm also a gym rat and when diagnosed in 2018, my muscle mass was quite good. After changing my diet, more vegan, I do believe my creatine stores began to deplete. I've subsequently added creatine to my diet and have seen moderate improvement in muscle mass. And, if I'm fueling my killer T-Cells, then that is a benefit that outweighs the other possible risks in my mind.

Also, creatine is pretty cheap and widely available. Studies of its effectiveness will be few and far between as no one can make money on it. Maybe some universities, looking for studies for students to fill might take it on but I doubt there will be any huge studies on the topic.