Creatine. Beware capsules.

[Mike1942]

Creatine naturally occurs in our own body. Synthetically it can be legally used by all athletes. I have used it for a number of years prior to a "big occasion". Previously I have used it in powder form and diluted it in water as instructed. With good results and no aftereffects. With a Duathlon coming up I thought I would give it a try. But I made a bad mistake and bought capsules. Following the instructions it all started well. (Remember my 22k run followed a few days later by my 10k). Mid way through last week (approaching my Duathlon) I deceided to up load a bit more. Luckily the D on Sunday was cancelled. The cramps set in real bad. It took me and my PT 24hrs to come to the "joint" conclusion. ........ not enough water Michael. The aches and pains are now going off but I have till 17 th to recover for the Clumber Duathlon. Hope to qualify for the British age group team. Don't do as I did, please learn by my mistake. Mike

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

If you haven't already maybe you should get your kidney function checked out, just to be on the safe side?

[Mike1942 in reply to roseabi]

hi roseabi you asked a while back to see my ,8 week marathon plan. I have tried to put it on forum but my tablet always causes problems. In the past I have emailed items to Sonia ,would this be OK ?

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Mike1942]

Hi Mike! That's kind, but I was only wondering if it was available online somewhere, I wouldn't want to trouble you with sending it to me! Was just curious

[Mike1942 in reply to roseabi]

PM me your email address and it will come direct. Sonia will vouch for me I am sure.

[Millsie-J]

I recognise utilisation of suppliments is an individual choice. However, having spent years closely monitoring my renal impaired young daughter’s pre-transplant high creatine levels, I would say be very careful with such suppliments.

As Roseabi suggests, maybe consider getting your kidney function checked to be on the safe side.

[Mike1942 in reply to Millsie-J]

Thanks for the warning admin. I am ok I just wanted others to be aware of the products. I have just returned from a nice gentle 18,km run with Rita. It was her last long run before London Landmarks. Anyone else going to London on ,25,th of March?

[Mike1942 in reply to Millsie-J]

Hi millsie-j I was introduced to Creatine some time back. It has uses for people like myself who have PD. Trials were abandoned for some reason , believed by many to be financial.

[Millsie-J in reply to Mike1942]

Im sure you will have had a kidney function test at that point then Mike.👍🏼

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Millsie-J]

Sorry, I thought that Mike was saying he'd taken too much of the creatine, my bad

[Rignold]

Creatine is one of the most tested supplements there is, and taken in correct dosage, has been found to have no deleterious effects on health markers or kidney or liver function, even with continuous long term use.

There is also no data to suggest creatine causes dehydration or cramps etc or cause gastro-intestinal distress when used in recommended dosages.

The issue is taking any supplement in correct dosage. If you take an excessive quantity of anything you run the risk of adverse reaction. Paracetamol in correct dosage is a very effective and safe painkiller. An overdose of paracetamol will ruin your liver and can be fatal. It is not the creatine or the format, but the quantity that is the danger.

[Mike1942 in reply to Rignold]

Agree with Rignold The problem was entirely of my own making. In the past mixing Creatine powder and water I have never had a problem but swallowing capsules with water needs some care. YOU MUST DRINK THE AMOUNT OF WATER SPECIFIED.