Discussions around the supplement creatine continue to spark debates online about its possible side effects. In a recent Arnold’s Pump Club newsletter, Arnold Schwarzenegger delved into whether creatine causes hair loss by looking at studies and research.
Fads come and go but creatine has remained a permanent fixture in the health and fitness realm. As of late, it appears the trending supplement has once again piqued interest for its ability to improve both physical performance and cognition, especially when sleep-deprived, according to a previous study Arnold Schwarzenegger provided.
With so many positive effects, people are questioning whether it is too good to be true. Arnold Schwarzenegger is determined to help clear the air surrounding creatine one question at a time. In the past, he addressed the misconception that creatine makes you bloated, revealing that not only did it make you lose more fat, but it also made your muscles healthier and hydrated.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Examines Claim That Creatine Causes Hair Loss
Arnold Schwarzenegger acknowledged another concern regarding creatine in a recent Arnold’s Pump Club newsletter, clarifying if the supplement can lead to hair loss. In typical Schwarzenegger fashion, he provided a scientific study to put our minds at ease, and listed below is what he found.
“From The Village: Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?“
“I’ve checked all the research you’ve shared about creatine, and it seems like the real deal. But I’ve heard it causes hair loss. Is that true?”
“Creatine has experienced a dramatic reputational makeover.”
Schwarzenegger explains that the body naturally produces creatine and it is also found in food.
“Thanks to some misinformation in the late 90s, people initially thought it was a steroid (it’s not even close). We now know that your body naturally produces creatine; it’s found in food, and supplementing with it can improve muscle, strength, fat loss, and brain health and even help you overcome a bad night of sleep.”
Now that we know all the things creatine can do, Schwarzenegger gets into the nitty-gritty about the potential downsides.
“But will it cost your hair?”
“After more than one thousand studies, research suggests there is little reason to believe that creatine causes hair loss.”
Schwarzenegger reveals exactly how this idea of hair loss was brought about.
“The confusion started with one study in 2009, which found that creatine increases DHT levels, a hormone connected to hair loss. But the story goes deeper.”
“The changes in DHT were not significant and within a normal fluctuation, meaning the shift wasn’t even necessarily enough to trigger hair loss. Not to mention, based on dozens of other studies, creatine does not affect androgen levels, which can affect hair follicles and lead to loss.”
“Most importantly, the study measured serum (blood) DHT levels, which does not indicate hair loss. You need to measure hair follicle DHT. Your skin produces different DHT than what you find in your blood, meaning the DHT changes from the one creatine study are unrelated to DHT changes linked to hair loss.”
Schwarzenegger shares that no evidence links creatine with hair loss but reminds his followers to always stick with a high-quality option when taking creatine.
“The bottom line: Currently, no evidence suggests creatine causes hair loss.”
“If you choose to use creatine, don’t risk using a low-quality option. As we’ve shared, a study of 175 creatine brands found that 88% used a form of creatine with limited or no evidence of effectiveness or safety.”
As mentioned above, Arnold Schwarzenegger has previously stressed that the quality of creatine matters. Too often, people are buying and using the wrong type of creatine, which is why Schwarzenegger suggests choosing creatine monohydrate to achieve optimal results.
“There’s just one problem. Many people are taking the wrong type of creatine. Research overwhelmingly suggests that creatine monohydrate is the safest most effective and most absorbed form of creatine. Everything else is fighting for second place” Schwarzenegger said.
While creatine has been around for decades, its use and potential benefits couldn’t be more clear. Arnold Schwarzenegger certainly understands the popularity of the supplement and continues to educate his followers on just how beneficial creatine can be for maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle.
RELATED: Does Creatine Cause Constipation? (Experts Insights)
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