Side Effects of Creatine on Women
Some women and men involved in sports, bodybuilding or weight lifting take creatine supplements to achieve rapid development of lean muscle mass. An amino acid that occurs naturally in the body, creatine also can be obtained by eating meat and fish. Most side effects are uncommon, and most are similar for both women and men.
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Most Common Side Effects
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The most common side effects occur when a person begins taking creatine supplements, and these effects include gastrointestinal problems such as stomach cramping, indigestion, diarrhea or nausea.
Water Weight
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Women can be more affected by the water weight gain common with creatine supplementation, and feel bloated. Some creatine supplements are designed specifically for women to reduce this problem.
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Nursing Mothers
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Nursing mothers should avoid supplementing with creatine, because no research has determined whether creatine levels in breast milk increase during supplementation.
Pregnant Women
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Two studies cited by the Creatine Information Center found detrimental effects on rat and rabbit pups when the mothers ingested excess creatine during pregnancy. Pregnant women are thus advised not to take creatine supplements.
Dehydration
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Dehydration side effects also can occur in both women and men when taking creatine supplements.
Misconceptions
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Although rumors suggest women can develop masculine characteristics such as extra body hair when taking creatine supplements, no research has indicated this to be the case.
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