What are the side effects of creatine?

Andrew Huberman notes that creatine supplementation generally has minimal side effects. However, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal distress, especially if taking higher doses or during the initial loading phase. This can include bloating or nausea, but switching to a high-quality form like Creapure may alleviate these issues 1 2.

Another potential side effect associated with creatine is an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which could theoretically contribute to hair loss in individuals predisposed to male pattern baldness. However, Dr. Kyle Gillette, MD suggests that creatine will not accelerate hair loss beyond one's natural predisposition, as it does not elevate hormone levels above normal physiological ranges 3.