| Ingredients | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
|
Calories
|
30 Calorie(s) |
| 5 Gram(s) | |
|
(as Betaine Anhydrous)
|
1 Gram(s) |
| 0.75 Gram(s) |
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Creatine UP Unflavored. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product Creatine UP Unflavored. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately in doses of up to 6 grams daily (698,10631). However, some patients have used up to 20 grams daily with apparent safety (698). Betaine anhydrous is available as an FDA-approved prescription product (Cystadane) (698), and also as a supplement. The European Food Safety Authority states that betaine anhydrous is safe to use in doses up to 6 mg/kg daily, in addition to usual dietary intake (105548). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of topical betaine anhydrous.
CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately in doses up to 150 mg/kg daily (698).
However, some patients have used up to 20 grams daily with apparent safety (698). Prescription betaine anhydrous (Cystadane) is approved by the US FDA for use in infants and children (698).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short-term. Creatine supplementation appears to be safe when used at loading doses of up to 25 grams daily or 0.3 grams/kg daily for up to 14 days in healthy adults (1367,2100,2101,3996,4569,10064,15354,15520,46570,46587)(46673,46688,46719,46753,46801,103278,103279,108336). Creatine supplementation also appears to be safe when used at maintenance doses of 4-5 grams daily for up to 18 months (2101,4578,15353,15354,15520,46587,46673,46690,46753,46838,102164,103278,108336).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, long-term. Creatine supplementation has been safely used at doses of up to 10 grams daily for up to 5 years in some preliminary clinical research (1367,3996). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of creatine when used topically.
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately.
Creatine supplementation appears to be safe when used in appropriate doses in infants and children. Creatine 3-5 grams daily for 2-6 months has been safely used in children 5-18 years of age (6182,46596,46739,46841). Creatine 2 grams daily for 6 months has been safely used in children 2-5 years of age (46841). Additionally, weight-based dosing of creatine 0.1-0.4 grams/kg daily in infants and children or 4.69 grams/m2 in children weighing over 40 kg has been used safely for up to 6 months (46623,46629,46694,46759,104672).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used in amounts found in foods. Typical daily intakes for adults range from 40-400 mg (101471).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts. Taurine 2-4 grams daily in two or three divided doses has been used safely in studies lasting up to 3 months (5248,5271,8217,8221,10454,77147,95612,98337,104165,104167). Higher doses of taurine 6 grams daily have been used safely in studies lasting up to 4 weeks (98336,98337). A risk assessment of orally administered taurine has identified an Observed Safe Level (OSL) of up to 3 grams daily for healthy adults (31996).
CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used in amounts found in foods.
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts.
Taurine 2.4-4.8 grams daily in three divided doses has been safely used in children 6-16 years of age for up to 12 weeks (103210).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used in amounts found in foods.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of taurine when used in medicinal amounts during pregnancy and lactation; avoid using.
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Creatine UP Unflavored. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
Theoretically, taurine might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
 Details
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Theoretically, taurine might reduce excretion and increase plasma levels of lithium.
Details
Taurine is thought to have diuretic properties (3647), which might reduce the excretion of lithium.
|
Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Creatine UP Unflavored. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
General
...Orally, betaine anhydrous is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Body odor, diarrhea, elevated cholesterol levels, GI distress, nausea, vomiting.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Cerebral edema.
Cardiovascular ...Betaine anhydrous might have adverse effects on the plasma lipid profile. Some studies have reported a 3% to 4% increase in total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels with betaine anhydrous 6 grams daily (16452,16455,16456,34904). A meta-analysis of 6 studies in adults, some with obesity and/or prediabetes, shows that taking betaine anhydrous 4-6 grams daily for 6-24 weeks is associated with a mean increase in total cholesterol of 4 mg/dL, with no significant change in LDL cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or triglyceride levels (105814). Another meta-analysis of 12 studies, some in healthy adults and others in adults with various disease states, shows that taking betaine anhydrous 1.5-20 grams daily for 2-52 weeks is associated with a mean increase in total cholesterol of 14 mg/dL, and a mean increase in LDL cholesterol of 10 mg/dL, with no change in triglyceride or HDL cholesterol levels (105813).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, betaine anhydrous can cause vomiting, nausea, GI distress, and diarrhea (698,10631,34888,34928,111374).
Neurologic/CNS ...When used orally to treat homocystinuria due to cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency, elevated plasma methionine concentrations can occur following use of betaine anhydrous, which might lead to cerebral edema (698,111374).
Other ...Orally, betaine anhydrous can cause body odor (698,10631).
General
...Orally, creatine is generally well-tolerated.
Topically, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Dehydration, diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset, muscle cramps, and water retention.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Case reports have raised concerns about interstitial nephritis, renal insufficiency, rhabdomyolysis, and venous thrombosis.
Cardiovascular
...Some research suggests that creatine supplementation can cause edema.
In a randomized controlled trial, 26% of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) receiving creatine 10 grams daily reported edema after 2 months of treatment compared to 9% with placebo. The difference between groups was statistically significant at 2 months but not at month 4 and beyond. Creatine is believed to cause slight water retention, which may have been more apparent in patients who were immobilized due to ALS (46647). While this adverse drug reaction did not lead to worsening cardiac function in these patients, theoretically, creatine-related water retention could worsen congestive heart failure or hypertension.
There is one case report of lone atrial fibrillation in a 30-year-old male vegetarian. He started powdered creatine 20 grams daily for 5 days, followed by 2.5 grams daily for a month. However, he discontinued powdered creatine due to severe cramping and diarrhea, and reinitiated creatine supplementation a month later with an encapsulated formulation. Aside from gelatin in the capsule, creatine was the only ingredient listed in both formulations. During the loading dose phase, the patient developed dyspnea and palpitations and was diagnosed with lone atrial fibrillation in the emergency department. Symptoms resolved with treatment and supplement discontinuation (13187). Theoretically, alterations in electrolyte balance due to dehydration or diarrhea could lead to conduction abnormalities and arrhythmia; however, in this case, the patient had normal electrolyte levels. Contaminants in dietary supplements might also be responsible for adverse reactions; this specific creatine product was not tested for contaminants. It remains unclear whether creatine was associated with this event.
Theoretically, taking creatine nitrate might reduce blood pressure and heart rate due to its nitrate component. However, clinical research shows that creatine nitrate 12 grams daily for 7 days followed by 3 grams daily for 21 days does not lower blood pressure or heart rate acutely or chronically when compared to creatine monohydrate or placebo (95959).
Dermatologic
...In a small clinical trial of older, healthy males, one subject out of the 10 receiving creatine 5 grams four times daily for 10 days followed by 4 grams daily for 20 days reported a skin rash during the study.
The type and severity of rash and whether it resolved after creatine was discontinued were not discussed (4572). Also, skin rash has been reported by patients taking celecoxib and creatine; however, whether this effect was due to creatine or celecoxib is unclear (46706).
Topically, burning, itching, redness, irritation, and perception of changes in skin temperature have been reported (104669).
Endocrine ...Creatine may influence insulin production (11330). In human research, insulin levels increased 120 and 240 minutes after creatine supplementation (46760); however, there was no effect in another trial (46732). In a clinical study, 0.3 grams/kg of creatine daily for one week significantly increased cortisol levels by 29%. However, the levels returned to baseline at week 2 (46615).
Gastrointestinal
...Some small clinical studies have reported diarrhea and vomiting with oral creatine supplementation (4584,11332,46562,46684,46698,46704,104673).
Also, gastrointestinal distress, transient abdominal discomfort, constipation, heartburn, and nausea have been reported by a small number of individuals in randomized, controlled clinical trials (4572,11332,46527,46528,46573,46589,46622,46668,46684,46695), (46704,46771,95964,104668,104669,104673,108316). However, most high-quality clinical research shows that creatine does not increase the incidence of gastrointestinal upset (103102,103278,103279).
Undissolved creatine powder may cause gastroenteritis (1368). Additionally, simultaneous intake of creatine and caffeine powder may increase the occurrence of gastrointestinal distress (95964).
Hematologic ...There are two case reports of creatine-related venous thrombosis in otherwise healthy adults. In the first case, an active 18-year-old male who had been taking an unspecified dose of creatine daily for 3 months was diagnosed with venous thrombosis via MRI. The patient reported increased thirst and fluid consumption when taking creatine. In the second case, an active 31-year-old male who had recently taken a 5-hour flight was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis. He had been taking an unspecified dose of creatine. After stopping creatine and receiving anticoagulation therapy for 6 months, both patients' thromboses were resolved and did not recur. Researchers speculate that dehydration might be to blame for these adverse events, as dehydration increases the risk of thrombosis. In both cases, thrombophilic conditions were ruled out, and a temporal relationship between creatine consumption and thrombosis was established (90301). However, it remains unclear if creatine was responsible for these thrombotic events.
Hepatic
...Despite two case reports describing hepatic injury in patients taking creatine (46701,90319), meta-analyses and clinical studies specifically evaluating the safety of creatine have not identified an increased risk for hepatic injury (103278,103279).
In addition, population research suggests that there is not an association between creatine intake and liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or hepatic steatosis. However, this study largely included subjects consuming less than 4 grams daily (112208).
One preliminary clinical trial specifically evaluated the effect of creatine loading and maintenance doses on hepatic function indices in healthy adults. No clinically significant changes in hepatic indices were reported in patients taking creatine loading doses of 20 grams daily for 5 days followed by maintenance doses of 3 grams daily for 8 weeks (46521). Another clinical study evaluated the impact of creatine monohydrate and creatine nitrate on liver function enzymes, showing no change in levels within 5 hours after the first dose of 12 grams or after continued consumption of 12 grams daily for 7 days followed by 3 grams daily for 21 days (95959). The patients that experienced hepatic injury in the available case reports were also taking other exercise supplements. Whether the reported adverse hepatic effects were due to creatine or the other supplements patients were taking is unclear. Also, neither of these case reports addressed whether the supplements were tested for contamination (46701,90319).
Musculoskeletal ...Creatine-associated increase in body mass is well documented in randomized, controlled clinical trials and is often as large as 1-2 kg during the five-day loading period of creatine (2101,4569,4589,4591,4600,4605,46504,46561,46815,46827)(46830,46843,95962,103279,112201). This may be considered an unwanted adverse reaction in some individuals and a desired effect of supplementation in others. This weight gain may interfere with mass-dependent activities such as running and swimming (46504,46823). Muscle cramping due to creatine supplementation has been reported in controlled clinical trials and may result from water retention in skeletal muscle (2104,4572,4584,30915,46562,46695,46826,46827,104673). However, most high quality clinical research shows that creatine does not increase the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries or muscle cramping (103102). In one case report, rhabdomyolysis in a weight lifter using creatine 25 grams daily over a one-year period has been reported (12820). Another case report describes an adult male who developed acute compartment syndrome of the leg after regular consumption of an unspecified amount of creatine and cocaine (112210).
Neurologic/CNS ...In clinical research, thirst, sleepiness, mild headache, and syncope have been reported for patients taking creatine, although the events were uncommon (46578,46615,46820). More serious adverse events have been reported for patients taking creatine in combination with other ingredients. A case of ischemic stroke has been reported for an athlete who consumed creatine monohydrate 6 grams, caffeine 400-600 mg, ephedra 40-60 mg, and a variety of other supplements daily for 6 weeks (1275). In another case, a 26 year old male reported with a hemorrhagic stroke linked to taking the supplement Jack3d, which contains creatine, DMAA, schizandrol A, caffeine, beta-alanine, and L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (90318). It is likely that these adverse events were due to other ingredients, such as caffeine, ephedra, and DMAA, which are known to have stimulant and vasoconstrictive properties.
Oncologic ...Population research shows that use of muscle building supplements such as creatine, protein, and androstenedione is associated with an increased odds of testicular germ cell cancer. This risk appears to be more apparent in early users, those using two or more muscle building supplements, and those with long-term use of the supplements. The odds of testicular germ cell cancer may be increased by up to 155% in males taking both creatine and protein supplements (90329). The risk of testicular germ cell cancer from creatine alone is unclear from this study.
Psychiatric ...Anxiety, irritability, depression, aggression, and nervousness have been reported in clinical research for patients taking creatine, although the effects are not common (46518). A case of acute organic psychosis was reported in a 32-year-old soldier in Iraq who was consuming excessive amounts of caffeine coupled with use of creatine (Creatamax, MaxiNutrition) one tablet twice daily for 3 weeks plus a specific stimulant containing bitter orange, guarana seed extract, and St. John's wort extract (Ripped Fuel Ephedra Free, Twinlabs) two tablets three times daily for 2 days prior to admission. The psychosis was considered likely due to caffeine consumption in combination with the stimulant supplement rather than creatine (37982).
Renal
...Isolated cases of renal dysfunction in patients taking creatine have been reported, including a case of interstitial nephritis in a healthy male (184) and a case of renal insufficiency in a football player (46828).
In contrast to these cases, several clinical studies and case reports have shown that creatine does not affect markers of renal function in healthy adults (2120,3996,4573,16535,46735,46749,46758,46779,46813,95959,103279). Doses studied included 5- to 7-day loading regimens of 12 to 21 grams daily (2120,46813), or maintenance doses of 3-10 grams daily for up to 2 years (16535,46712,46758,95959). In two additional studies, creatine supplementation 15.75 grams for 5 days followed by 4.25 grams daily for 20 days with carbohydrate and protein ingestion led to no change of renal stress markers (46844). Other clinical research has shown that ingestion of creatine up to 30 grams daily for 5 years is not associated with an increased incidence of renal dysfunction (103102).
Other case reports involve patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction. For example, in one case, a patient with a history of recurrent renal failure developed relapsing steroid-responsive nephritis syndrome after taking creatine (1368,2118). In another case, a patient with diabetic nephropathy who was taking creatine and metformin developed severe metabolic acidosis and acute renal failure. It is unclear if creatine contributed to this event, as metformin alone is known to cause metabolic acidosis (46738). These case reports have raised concern that individuals with pre-existing renal dysfunction may be at increased risk for renal injury with creatine supplementation. However, no prospective clinical trials have been conducted in this population to clarify this concern.
In addition, two cases of acute kidney injury and hypercalcemia have been reported in 16 year old males that took 1-4 servings of creatine for less than 4 weeks; however, the creatine product contained unlabeled, very high doses of vitamin D, which is the likely cause of these symptoms (109739).
In one survey, 13% of male collegiate athletes taking creatine reported dehydration (4584). The Association of Professional Team Physicians has warned that creatine may cause dehydration, heat-related illnesses, and electrolyte imbalances, and reduce blood volume. Mild transient dehydration resulting in an elevated serum creatinine was also reported in a single person in a clinical trial (104672). However, a study found that creatine supplementation during preseason football training had no effect on fluid or electrolyte status (46845). Additionally, most high quality clinical research shows that creatine does not increase dehydration (103102). A theoretical increase in risk of dehydration due to intracellular fluid shifts has led most creatine manufacturers to caution about adequate hydration with creatine supplementation (4576).
Other
...There have been reports of heat intolerance with oral creatine supplementation (46505).
Increases in formaldehyde production have been reported with creatine use. A-24 year-old man taking supratherapeutic doses of creatine monophosphate in combination with an energy supplement developed malignant hyperthermia after undergoing anesthesia. His symptoms included tachycardia, hypertension, hypercarbia, and hyperthermia. Environmental factors are suspected to have played a role in the development of malignant hyperthermia, so whether this adverse event was due to creatine at all is unclear (46717).
In 1997, three collegiate wrestlers died after engaging in a rapid weight-loss program in order to qualify for competition (93628). Initially creatine supplementation was considered to have contributed to or caused these deaths (12820,93629); however, investigations by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not confirm this belief (12820,93630). It appears that only one of the three wrestlers had been using creatine. Instead, the deaths were related to drastic, short-term weight loss in which the wrestlers wore rubber suits, avoided hydration, and performed workouts in rooms with temperatures up to 33 °C (1368,93631).
General
...Orally, taurine is generally well-tolerated when used in typical doses for up to one year.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Constipation, diarrhea, and dyspepsia.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Hypersensitivity reactions in sensitive individuals. Case reports raise concerns for serious adverse effects, but these reports have involved energy drinks containing taurine and other ingredients. It is unclear if these adverse effects are due to taurine, other ingredients, or the combination.
Cardiovascular ...Decreased heart rate and increased blood pressure have been reported following the co-administration of taurine and caffeine, although the effects of taurine alone are unclear (77088). In healthy individuals, consumption of energy drinks containing taurine increased platelet aggregation and decreased endothelial function (77151). A case of cardiac arrest following strenuous exercise and an excessive intake of energy drinks containing caffeine and taurine has been reported (77136).
Endocrine ...Orally, taurine has been reported to cause hypoglycemia (77153).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, constipation has been reported following the administration of taurine (77231). Dyspepsia has also been reported after oral taurine use (104165).
Hematologic ...In clinical research, taurine reduced platelet aggregation (77245). A case of massive intravascular hemolysis, presenting with confusion, dark urine, dyspnea, emesis, and fever, has been reported following the administration of a naturopathic vitamin infusion containing taurine, free amino acids, magnesium, and a vitamin B and D complex (77177). However, the effects of taurine alone are unclear.
Immunologic ...A case report describes a hypersensitivity reaction in a female patient with a history of allergies to sulfonamides, sulfites, and various foods, after ingestion of taurine and other sulfur-containing supplements. The amount of taurine in the products ranged from 50-500 mg per dose. The allergic reaction recurred upon rechallenge with taurine 250-300 mg (91514).
Neurologic/CNS
...In a case study, encephalopathy occurred in a body-builder who took approximately 14 grams of taurine in combination with insulin and anabolic steroids.
It is not known if this was due to the taurine or the other drugs taken (15536).
Cases of seizures following the consumption of energy drinks containing taurine have been reported (77105,77196). In clinical research, taurine has been reported to cause drowsiness and ataxia in epileptic children (77241).
Psychiatric ...In a case report, a 36-year-old male with adequately controlled bipolar disorder was hospitalized with symptoms of mania after consuming several cans of an energy drink containing taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone, B vitamins, and other ingredients (Red Bull Energy Drink) over a period of four days (14302). It is unknown if this effect was related to taurine.
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...In human research, an exacerbation of pulmonary symptoms of cystic fibrosis has been associated with taurine supplementation, although this could also be caused by progression of the disease (77231).
Renal ...A case of acute kidney failure has been reported following the concomitant intake of 1 liter of vodka and 3 liters of an energy drink providing taurine 4. 6 grams, caffeine 780 mg, and alcohol 380 grams (77185).
