does creatine cause hair loss review

According to the available evidence, there is limited proof that creatine causes hair loss. The majority of the speculation regarding the relationship between creatine supplementation and hair loss/baldness stems from a single study by van der Merwe et al. where college-aged male rugby players who supplemented with creatine (25 g/day for 7 days, followed by 5 g/day thereafter for an additional 14 days) experienced an increase in serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations over time. DHT is often connected with premature hair loss, including male pattern baldness. However, the results of this study have not been replicated, and intense resistance exercise itself can cause increases in these androgenic hormones. Therefore, the current body of evidence does not indicate that creatine causes hair loss or baldness. It is important to note that creatine supplementation, when ingested at recommended dosages, does not result in kidney damage and/or renal dysfunction in healthy individuals. Some of the negative effects of high creatine levels in the blood include kidney damage, water retention, muscle cramping, weight gain, gastrointestinal pain, and allergic reactions.