People who should not take creatine include:
- Children and adolescents under age 18, due to lack of research on safety and potential long-term effects in young people.
- Pregnant or nursing women, to avoid unknown risks to mother and child.
- Individuals with kidney disease or impaired kidney function, as creatine may worsen these conditions or increase kidney strain.
- Those with liver disease or diabetes, as creatine could affect these organs or blood sugar levels.
- People taking medications or supplements that affect blood sugar.
- Individuals with bipolar disorder, since creatine may increase the chance of manic episodes.
- Athletes undergoing dehydration or rapid weight loss, such as wrestlers.
- People at risk for kidney dysfunction or those taking NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or aspirin) regularly, which together with creatine could strain kidneys.
It is generally advised that anyone considering creatine should consult a healthcare provider first, especially if they have underlying health conditions or take other medications. Creatine use should be done cautiously with proper hydration to avoid side effects like muscle cramps, dehydration, and digestive issues.
