If you are talking about creatine....read the excerpt below then the link for the whole article...SafetyReturn to top
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Allergies
Creatine has been associated with asthmatic symptoms. People should avoid creatine if they have a known allergy to this supplement.
Side Effects and Warnings
There is limited systematic study of the safety, pharmacology, or toxicology of creatine. Individuals using creatine, including athletes, should be monitored by a healthcare professional. Users are advised to inform their physician or other healthcare professional.
Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or nausea.
Creatine may cause muscle cramps or muscle breakdown, leading to muscle tears or discomfort. Weight gain and increased body mass may occur. Heat intolerance, fever, dehydration, reduced blood volume, or electrolyte imbalances (and resulting seizures) may occur.
There is less concern today than there used to be about possible kidney damage from creatine, although there are reports of kidney damage, such as interstitial nephritis. Patients with kidney disease should avoid use of this supplement. Similarly, liver function may be altered, and caution is advised in those with underlying liver disease.
In theory, creatine may alter the activities of insulin. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare professional, and medication adjustments may be necessary.
Chronic administration of a large quantity of creatine is reported to increase the production of formaldehyde, which may potentially cause serious unwanted side-effects.
Based on a case report, creatinine may increase the risk of compartment syndrome of the lower leg, a condition characterized by pain in the lower leg associated with inflammation and ischemia (diminished blood flow), which is a potential surgical emergency.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Creatine cannot be recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding due to a lack of scientific information.
Pasteurized cow's milk appears to contain higher levels of creatine than human milk. The clinical significance of this is not clear.
InteractionsReturn to top
Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.
Interactions with Drugs
In theory, creatine may alter the activities of insulin, particularly when taken with carbohydrates. Caution is advised when using medications that may also alter blood sugar levels. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Use of creatine with probenecid may increase the levels of creatine in the body, leading to increased side effects.
Use of creatine with diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide (Lasix®) should be avoided because of the risks of dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. The likelihood of kidney damage may be greater when creatine is used with drugs that may damage the kidneys, such as trimethoprim, cimetidine (Tagamet®), anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), amikacin, gentamicin or tobramycin.
It is possible that creatine may increase the cholesterol-lowering effects of other drugs commonly used to lower cholesterol levels, such as lovastatin (Mevacor®).
Animal studies report that the combination of creatine and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is more effective at reducing inflammation than either agent used alone.
Creatine and nifedipine, when used together, may enhance heart function, although research in this area is early.
Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements
Creatine may increase the risk of adverse effects, including stroke, when used with caffeine and ephedra. In addition, caffeine may reduce the beneficial effects of creatine during intense intermittent exercise.
In theory, creatine may alter the activities of insulin. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also alter blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment. Possible examples of herbs and supplements that may cause hypoglycemia include Aloe vera , American ginseng, bilberry, bitter melon, burdock,fenugreek, fish oil, gymnema, horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE), maitake mushroom, marshmallow, milk thistle, Panax ginseng, rosemary, shark cartilage, Siberian ginseng, stinging nettle and white horehound. Agents that may raise blood sugar levels include arginine, cocoa, and ephedra (when combined with caffeine).
Creatine may reduce the effectiveness of vitamins A, D, E and K.
Creatine may affect liver function, and should be used cautiously with potentially hepatotoxic (liver-damaging) herbs and supplements, such as ackee, bee pollen, birch oil, blessed thistle, borage, bush tea, butterbur, chaparral, coltsfoot, comfrey, DHEA, Echinacea purpurea , Echium spp., germander, Heliotropium spp., horse chestnut (parenteral preparations), Jin-bu-huan (Lycopodium serratum), kava, lobelia, L-tetrahydropalmatine (THP), mate, niacin (vitamin B-3), niacinamide, Paraguay tea, periwinkle, Plantago lanceolata , pride of Madeira, rue, sassafras, scullcap, Senecio spp./groundsel, tansy ragwort, turmeric/curcumin, Tu-san-chi (Gynura segetum), uva ursi, valerian, and white chameleon.
Use of creatine with diuretics should be avoided because of the risks of dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. Herbs with possible diuretic effects include artichoke, celery, corn silk, couchgrass, dandelion, elder flower, horsetail, juniper berry, kava, shepherd's purse, uva ursi, and yarrow.
It is possible that creatine may increase the cholesterol-lowering effects of herbs and supplements that lower cholesterol levels, such as red yeast ( Monascus purpureus ).
good luck
2006-11-13 02:21:51
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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