Creatine is one of the popular supplements that athletes and bodybuilders use. It improves exercise performance and boosts muscle strength. Even though it’s generally considered safe and stable to consume, some studies show that it might develop aggression and anger issues. In this article, we will take a deeper look into whether creatine may cause anger issues and explore the current research on it.
Understanding Creatine and Aggression
What is Creatine?
Creatine is a naturally occurring substance found in the body. It is also found in animals, meat, fish etc. Creatine helps with exercise performance and muscle growth.
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Did you know?
(Kreider & Stout, 2021)
95% of creatine is stored in our muscles and the rest in other tissues like our heart, brain and testes.
Uses of Creatine
Creatine is used for many reasons. Athletes and fitness experts take creatine supplements to increase muscle strength, and muscle mass and help with post-exercise recovery. Moreover, creatine also helps with neurological issues, heart problems, and muscular dystrophy. Creatine supplements are available in forms like powder, liquid, tablet, gummies, energy bars etc. and can be easily found online and in physical stores.
How Creatine Functions in Our Body
Creatine works in our body by producing more energy in the muscles. It helps us to do high-intensity workouts with short bursts. Even though some studies show that creatine helps with performance, the research is limited. It’s always best to consult with medical experts before starting any creatine supplement.
Potential Side-Effects of Creatine
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of taking any creatine supplement are muscle cramps, diarrhoea and nausea. These symptoms are usually mild and short-lived. In addition, some individuals may also gain weight and experience bloating due to water retention.
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Rare and Serious Side Effects
Rare and serious side effects of creatine include liver damage, kidney damage and kidney stones. These side effects may be caused due to high dosage of creatine intake but they are very uncommon.
Case Studies
There are some personal anecdotes and case studies done where people experienced aggressiveness and irritability after taking creatine. For example, in one experiment, two people reported that they felt irritated and nervous. Even though the study is not widespread, further research is needed.
The Science Behind Creatine and Mood Change
Some studies show creatine may increase hormones like testosterone. Testosterone is a hormone needed for muscle growth, development, and sexual functions. However, most research shows no linkage between creatine supplements and mood swings. In September 2019, a review from Biomolecules showed that in some cases creatine may have an antidepressant effect but extensive research is needed to be done.
According to some studies, creatine also decreases the stress hormone called cortisol, leading to an overall positive impact on mood and well-being. Hence, we need to understand the importance of these hormonal changes if we want to start taking creatine supplements.
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Opinions from Nutritionists
Nutritionists believe that while creatine increases muscle mass and growth, there are no potential negative effects to be cautious about. Individuals may experience feelings of anger and aggression, but it is not universal. They agree more on the topic that deep research is needed to establish a clear link between creatine and mood changes.
Views from Psychologists
Psychologists also wonder about ‘Does Creatine Cause Anger Issues?’. They say that creatine supplementation does not always cause mood changes and anger issues. However, they keep in mind about the few individuals who experience these issues. In summary, the majority of people do not necessarily feel anger or mood changes, but it is important to note that creatine supplementation reacts differently to each body.
Experiences of Athletes
Athletes have talked about their experiences regarding anger issues and taking creatine. Most athletes experience no symptoms at all, while few are reported to have increased irritability and aggression.
So, while creatine is a very good supplement and provides major benefits for our body, it is key to note down any changes in behaviour after taking the supplement.
How to Manage Potential Negative Effects of Creatine Supplements
During creatine consumption, we need to be cautious about the potential side effects that come with it. Below we will talk about how to manage the side effects effectively:
Observing Mood Changes
Journaling when taking creatine can be a good way to track any mood changes. If we see any unusual change in behaviour, we can find out if it is creatine that is causing it. Moreover, causes of irritation and nervousness indicate we need to reassess creatine dosage.
Find the Right Dosage
The amount of creatine we intake can influence the side effects we experience. To avoid this, we can divide the creatine intake into two parts a day instead of taking it all at once. It can also help with gastronomical problems and stomach discomfort.
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Trying Alternative Supplements
There are various alternatives to creatine supplements such as Beta-Alanine or Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) which provide similar benefits to creatine without the same side effects. But it’s always best to consult with a fitness expert before changing any supplement routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is creatine?
Creatine is a naturally occurring substance found in our body. It improves exercise performance and boosts muscle strength.
What are creatine supplements used for and why do people take them?
People take creatine supplements to enhance workout performance and increase muscle growth, as well as for fast post-exercise recovery.
Does creatine cause anger issues?
Studies show that few people experience feelings of anger, irritability, aggressiveness and nervousness, the majority don’t. It’s because every individual reacts differently to creatine supplements.
What are the common side effects of creatine supplements?
The most common side effects of taking any creatine supplement are muscle cramps, diarrhoea and nausea.
How can I minimize the side effects of creatine supplements?
Try adjusting the dosage level, staying hydrated, tracking mood changes and lastly, trying out alternative options.
Conclusion
To summarize, the question ‘Does Creatine Make You Aggressive?’ needs to be extensively studied because the research is still limited. While creatine is a popular supplement and is known for its great benefits, we must be aware of the potential side effects it may cause. Studies show that few people experience feelings of anger, irritability, aggressiveness and nervousness, the majority don’t. It’s because every individual reacts differently to creatine supplements and these situations are uncommon. Hence, if anyone wants to notice unusual changes after taking creatine supplements, it is best to take advice from professionals.
Key Takeaways
- Creatine is a popular supplement taken by athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
- It improves exercise performance and enhances muscle strength.
- The majority of the scientific studies show that creatine does not necessarily cause anger issues and mood swings.
- However, some reviews show some linkage to creatine and hormone levels (eg. testosterone) that could influence mood changes.
- To conclude, extensive research needs to be done to understand the relationship between creatine and anger issues.