Is creatine safe

Answer 1

Yes, creatine is not an anabolic steroid and does not require cycling to avoid side effects. It is generally considered safe when taken within the recommended doses (under 10-15 grams daily with a carbohydrate source for better absorption), and assuming the person stays well hydrated while using it (at least 6-8 glasses of fluid daily). There are no age limitations as to when you can start taking it nor for how long, though I would recommend limiting its use to under 40 years old when renal function may begin to decrease.

Answer 2

In 2004 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a record which stated that oral long-term intake of 3g pure creatine per day is risk-free. The reports of damage to the kidneys by creatine supplementation have been scientifically refuted. Extensive research has shown that oral creatine supplementation at a rate of 5 to 20 grams per day appears to be very safe and largely devoid of adverse side-effects, while at the same time effectively improving the physiological response to resistance exercise, increasing the maximal force production of muscles in both men and women. And a meta analysis performed in 2008 found that creatine treatment resulted in no abnormal renal, hepatic, cardiac or muscle function.