I'm working out with this dude at the gym and he's really into Creatine and told me it's really bulking him up.  Only thing is, he smells really bad now.  Is there something out there that won't do that but still give results?  My girlfriend likes the muscles but wouldn't go for the gas, if you know what I mean!

Hi:

I've been using creatine for about three years now and have never encountered this side effect.  I've also never heard it mentioned by any of the other people I know who use creatine, nor read about it.

I'd suggest that your friend has another issue not related to the creatine!

When using Creatine - is it really a myth that serum is any better than powder or pill form.

I heard some tale about being ingested more easily.

Cheers.

p.s. I don't know anyone that smells - other than avery bad cases of walking out without a shower!

Hi:

It is digested more quickly than other forms, but not enough, in my opinion, to justify the high price tag.  I use creatine monohydrate powder, and as long as you drink it as soon as you mix it, you'll reap the benefits.

If you want it to absorb a little quicker you can always mix it with a little carbs - when I was training hard (Ironman triathlon) I used to mix it with a little gatorade and chase it down with a banana.  Cheap and as effective as a serum.

Cheers,

Don

Creatine is the real deal if you're working out hard and want to get big.

Never heard of the gas side effect, would think that's likely due to something else in your friend's diet.

You could try CEE Creatine Ethyl Ester Absorbed 30x faster into the blood than normal Creatine and there isn't any no loading.. the gas problem I'm not sure about!

I don't know any other women who use it, but it works great for me - I feel stronger when i use it, and can crank out a few extra reps.

I haven't heard about the gas thing - but I have heard that you can get really bad muscle cramps and charlie horses - does anyone know if this is true?

I heard that too about the muscle cramps - can anyone verify?

In some people it does lead to mild dehydration, but would only lead to cramps if you're not drinking enough to begin with.  If you're well hydrated it shouldn't cause any problems.

Creatine should just be the icing on the cake - if you work out hard (and smart!) and eat right, you'll grow.  I reckon his smell is probably more likely due to whatever he's eating.

creatine has been found to be one of the safest and effective supplements out there. it can improve high intensity performance and build muscle size and the side effects which have been reported have not been found. If you don't believe me, look at the research