The Side Effects of HPLC Pure Creatine Monohydrate
HPLC creatine monohydrate is a form of creatine that is suggested to have a higher rate of absorption than other forms of creatine. HPLC stands for high pressure liquid chromatography, and it involves processing creatine through a HPLC machine that breaks creatine monohydrate down into the smallest possible molecules for faster absorption into your blood stream after ingestion. Creatine is a compound that is naturally produced in your body that can also be taken synthetically as a performance-enhancing supplement. Although creatine monohydrate appears to be a relatively safe supplement, some side effects have been reported.
Scoop of white powder (Image: ogichobanov/iStock/Getty Images)Water Retention
HPLC creatine monohydrate can cause you to retain water due to a process known as myofibril hydration. Water is pulled into your skeletal muscles from other parts of your body, leaving less available for the rest of your body to function optimally. This may increase sensations of thirst and even dehydration. Excess water retention can give you the feeling of being bloated, but the increase in myofibril hydration may make your muscles appear temporarily more full.
Renal Function
According to the book, "Anabolic Primer" by Phil Embleton and Gerard Thorne, creatine monohydrate intake may increase the amount of stress that is placed on your kidneys and renal system due to an increase in urine production. Although research in regards to HPLC creatine monohydrate and renal function is limited, creatine monohydrate ingestion may aggravate an existing kidney or renal system condition. If you suffer from a weak renal system, HPLC creatine monohydrate supplementation may aggravate your condition.
Changes in Mood
Some HPLC creatine monohydrate users have reported an increase in aggressive behavior and anger. The changes in mood while supplementing with creatine monohydrate have occasionally been attributed to an increase in testosterone levels. According to a study published in the "Journal of Hyperplasia Research," however, there appears to be no link between creatine intake and testosterone production. The changes in mood resulting from creatine monohydrate intake may be a result of the effects of mild dehydration, which include mood swings and anxiety. Increasing your water intake while supplementing with HPLC creatine monohydrate may lessen these changes in mood.
Loss of Energy
Some creatine monohydrate users report a loss in strength and energy after they stop taking the supplement. One of the main effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation is an increase in the rate that which your muscles produce energy during exercise. When you stop creatine monohydrate supplementation, your muscles no longer retain as much creatine as they did when you were taking the supplement. This decrease in intramuscular levels of creatine may result in a loss in energy and strength compared to when you were taking the creatine supplement.
