Koehler, S., Kuehl, K., Dulacki, K., Goldberg, L., & Elliot, D. (2000). Adverse and mood altering effects of oral creatine supplementation. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32(5), Supplement abstract 555.

Active men (N = 19) and women (N = 17) were formed into a creatine supplementation group (10 gm/d) or a placebo group. Treatment lasted 56 days. Mood was assessed using the Profile of Mood States (POMS).

There were more gastrointestinal complaints and muscle cramping in the Cr Group with one female subject dropping out due to abdominal cramping and diarrhea. There were no changes in the POMS scales for anxiety, depression, or aggression.

Implication. Creatine supplementation can cause significant internal problems while not affect mood states.

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