creatine question

[derb83]

so ive been reading that caffeine completely abolishes the effects of creatine . generally i take around 25g of creatine each day but i also drink a cup or two of coffee in the morning / and the occasional cup of iced tea . have I been wasting my time and money ? dont get me wrong i have been making gains but they are probably coming from the gas

[gethugeagain]

Well I have never heard that about creatine, but it is know for other supplements. The fact is that stimulants such as caffeine can effect many things. I do know of plenty people, my self included, that still get results when using caffeine on a daily basis. I would say just put some time between the two, and other supplements effected by it, do a search for what products it may effect if your unsure.

[Dave-O]

the only possible effect is that copious amounts off caffeine have a diuretic effect, which could offset some of the effects of creatine. if youre gonna drink coffee, just make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.

[RIPT]

As long as you don't take them at the same time I think you should be ok.

[gethugeagain]

Exactly as RIPT said, neither one last all day long so as with many things we do, it all comes down to timing when you consume each. Again, I have never paid much attention to these two interacting and I have never had an issue with one making the other less effective.

[Master Of Chokes]

25 grams of creatine a day... you mean a week??? should be taking in 3 to 5 to a max of 10 grams per day of creatine.... most get by with about 5 grams per day... but over 200 lbs some take up to about 10 grams per day usually in 2 doses...

i wouldnt worry too much about caffeine and its effects on creatine....worry more about calories, consistency of workouts, intensity...etc......

[evilh666]

Im on 7 grams of creatine a day! 25 would be way to much

[T-Bone]

Originally Posted by Dave-O

the only possible effect is that copious amounts off caffeine have a diuretic effect, which could offset some of the effects of creatine. if youre gonna drink coffee, just make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Its just the diuretic effect that you need to be concerned about. Increase water to offset that and prevent cramps.

[martin007]

the main concern here is that certain creatines hold onto water and caffeine in higher more pure doses acts as a mild diuretic.

if the 2 were to be taken apart then we can all dismiss every stimulant based pre workout NO on the market as being a waste of time and money.

i couldnt see muscletech, PHD, BSN, gaspari, Inner armour, smart-tec, MHP, vpx etc etc etc all producing creatine/arginine formulas with caffeine if it was pointless and counter productive.

guys, i think this rumour is one for the local gym guru to use.

[gethugeagain]

I do see your point, however I can tell you that one of the brands I take and found to be top notch does say that "any stimulants can effect the effectiveness of the product". I do think that without a doubt, to some extent this is true but as long as there is time placed between the two there is nothing to worry about. As for the products that contain both, I don't think they would be useless but who knows if in fact it will lessen their effect to some extent.

I would say try a product and if it works for you then what does it matter, right!?! I will also add that I have a bottle of creatine/arginine that says "stimulants may effect results", at the same time I have a bottle from the same company that has all three ingredients included, so I think the word "may" says it all!

[martin007]

true, the above makes sense.

I'll go do some research for a reference on this;

Im sure its doses of caffeine around the 500-1g mark before there is disruption with creatine absorption.

[martin007]

here we go, a nice reference to kind of answer any questions.....

sounds like research done proves that using caffeien and creatine together is only going to inhibit full potential off creatine supplementation.

There is still plently of reason to use both, you just wont get 100% benefit of what creatine offers....because of the caffeine.

Study finds caffeine intake destroys potential benefits of creatine

[gethugeagain]

Good post Martin! I look at it like this for the most part; Caffeine would best be used when cutting, when most stay away from creatine anyway. Other then that pre-workout would be the only other optimal time for BB use, in that case you would be spacing the two out by an hour or so anyway and in my opinion there are plenty of other options for an energy boost pre-workout anyway.

So bottom line, If someone is that worried about this then either stay clear of the caffeine altogether and use other resources for energy or just be sure to put enough time between you caffeine / creatine supplements (pre / postworkout) and it shouldn't make a huge difference!

[RIPT]

Are you taking caffeine as a stimulant? There's plenty of others out there, or if you just like having a coffee maybe switch to tea; regular or green............