Are there any real hazards to most muscle-building supplements? (not steroids)

“Creatine Monohydrate and Creatine Ethyl Ester. Creatine Monohydrate has been documented of showing wonderful results when complemented by a proper diet, adequate exercise and other protein supplements. However it may cause cramps and bloating.

Creatine Ethyl Ester has fewer side effects and is comparatively new in the market. It can be incorporated in the diet to supplement the body’s intake of proteins. Many people go under the knife or use steroids to build muscle. However these may prove detrimental in the long run. It is best to avoid all artificial ways of pumping up muscles.” Source

“Protein supplements? There is no evidence whatsoever that they offer any advantage over dietary protein. Amino acids? Even GNC acknowledges that there is “little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit” to taking them.

Creatine? Over 30 percent of people who take it do not even retain it in their muscle tissues long enough to utilize it. Studies have shown, though, that taken for five to six days by sedentary or moderately active people, supplemental creatine will improve performance and delay muscle fatigue during short-duration, high-intensity exercise like weight lifting. Wow! All that for only a couple of dollars per day!

And the side effects and risks of supplemental creatine? Muscle cramping and diarrhea are not uncommon. There have been reports of kidney damage from creatine supplementation. Certainly, people with kidney disease should not risk taking it.” Source

“While there is continuing debate among medical professionals as to the precise effects of these supplements, several doctors at other hospitals who were interviewed yesterday said that . . . DHEA and similar chemicals have been linked to long-term side effects like high blood pressure, heart disease and impotency.”

N.Y. Times

There are lots more. It looks not worth it to me.

The problem is that most of these supplements are new, so side effects and long-term effects won’t be known for a while. A possibly better question is whether the results of the supplement make it worth risking. Few (legal) supplements give you anything that time and effort won’t.

To put things in perspective, even the side effects of powerful anabolic steroids are minimal—aside from that pesky “prison” side effect, for you guys in the USA.

Truth about Steroids: www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0LEj8IPHGU

All body building supplements are snake oil. There is a serious hazard to your wallet. Eat well and pump iron. You can’t get a body out of a bottle.

the danger with these supplements, specifically with creatine is that there have been studies that show individuals who are on it experience a much higher percentage of tendonous tears compared to those who do not use creatine. I do not have a source for you, but my professor at school in the health/physical education dept. told me this is the problem with supplements like creatine.

If you can recall, Nomar Garciaparra with the Red Sox and actually throughout his career—> he experienced many injuries. Nearly all of them were some type of tear in the muscle tissue, and many believe he was using creatine every time he experienced such an injury.

@Marina: that is true about the protein supplements, however when consuming a protein shake, liquid based, the nutrients are absorbed quicker into the bloodstream therefore are more readily available for the muscles. Protein in food takes longer to be digested. This is why many people use the protein powders immediately after a workout. That, and they are convenient and quicker to consume

@mass_pike4
The higher percentage of tears could be linked to dehydration considering your body needs more fluids while working out, let alone on creatine.

IMO, Nomar has been on the juice….

No, but dont take too much because that will cause a lot of problems with your body.

@JamesL: This is true. Most people are dyhydrated as it is without knowing. Adding creatine and goodnight…all sorts of disaster

All I take is protien, because everything else makes me nervous. Well, that and fish oil.

Be careful. Check with your doctor first. The FDA are investigating the effects of muscle building supplements as so many young have heart attacks before their time.