What are the primary side effects associated with creatine?
Creatine is associated with very few side effects and is quite safe. Most reviews on the topic indicate that short-term supplementation has been established to be safe, but there is less data on long term use. The primary side effect is an increase in body weight. People taking creatine have anecdotally reported heat exhaustion, muscle cramping or strains, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney problems, and stroke. However, the research on creatine, which is quite extensive, has failed to link creatine with any of these problems. These side effects, as well as other reported side effects, will be discussed in further detail in the following sections.
