Creatineis a substance that occurs naturally in the body.
Athletes most commonly use creatine because of the popular belief that it can helpincrease strengthor improve athletic performance.
However, evidence to support this claim also is inconclusive and sometimes contradictory.
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That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
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Creatine and DHT: Whats the Link?
DHT is a metabolite of testosterone and can bind to androgen receptors in susceptible hair follicles in males.
This can cause the follicles to shrink, leading to hair loss.
However, this study had a number of flaws.
Side Effects
Creatine supplements maycause muscle water retention, leading to weight gain for some people.
How much to take and when depends on your goals and personal characteristics.
Sometimes, a loading stage, followed by a maintenance stage, is used.
However, some research suggests the loading stage is not necessary.
A maintenance dose for an adult athlete 19 years old and up may be 2 g daily.
The most commonly studied form of creatine is creatine monohydrate.Other forms of creatine include creatine HCL and buffered creatine.
There is no conclusive evidence that supplementing with creatine will accomplish this goal.
Current research does not support a link between creatine supplementation and hair loss.
Side effects may include weight gain due to water retention, gastrointestinal symptoms, and muscle cramps.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking creatine supplements.
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