Creatine monohydrate is a dietary supplement that is beneficial for muscle strength and endurance in athletes. It has been reported that patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) have significantly improved their muscle fatigue symptoms after supplementation with Creatine monohydrate, allowing them to participate more effectively in daily activities and exercise. Doctors recommend that patients take 20 grams per day for one week, followed by a maintenance dose of 3-5 grams per day, as this regimen is sufficient to maintain creatine concentrations in the muscles. The general specification of Creatine monohydrate tablets sold on the market provides 1 gram of creatine per tablet, and the dosage is once a day, 3 tablets each time. Please use it under the advice of a doctor or relevant professional.

This is due to a report of a 32-year-old male (weight 65 kg, blood pressure 160/100 mmHg) with a 2-week history of nausea and weakness. Creatine monohydrate was taken for bodybuilding for 3 weeks in the past month, along with 3 days of intermittent doses of 20 g/day and 3 weeks of maintenance doses of 1 g/day. Renal dysfunction and interstitial nephritis occurred after taking creatine monohydrate. The patient had no history of renal disease and did not use any other nephrotoxic substances.

In addition, there are reports in the literature that creatine supplementation has caused renal insufficiency and acute tubular necrosis in a number of patients. Secondary, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis has also been reported in athletes using anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). The combination of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse with creatine monohydrate and a high-protein diet is a common combination among bodybuilders, and this combination may increase the risk of renal damage. In summary, even low doses of creatine monohydrate supplementation may cause kidney damage, so athletes should be warned of this possible side effect.

References:

[1] CHRISTOPHER R BEHRINGER; Shezda A. Creatine Monohydrate as an Effective Supplement for Muscular Fatigue in an Ehlers-Danlos Patient.[J]. Cureus, 2024, 16 6: e61721. DOI:10.7759/cureus.61721.

[2] MOHAMMADREZA ARDALAN  Amir V  Zahra Samadifar. Creatine monohydrate supplement induced interstitial nephritis.[J]. Journal of Nephropathology, 2012, 1 2: 117-120. DOI:10.5812/nephropathol.7530.