What made the French believe creatine provokes cancer?

[Conceptions]

Please help me with this. A lot of people get good results from creatine but, i would really like to know why they think this is cancerous and why it was banned in France.

Here is an article i found but i still do not have enough evidence to support any side of the argument.
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SUBJECT: CREATINE CANCER SCARE UNTRUE
DATE: 31 January, 2001

After careful investigation into the issue of creatine and cancer, we have concluded that the report from the AFSSA in France constitutes unscientific characterizations about creatine causing cancer.

At issue is the formation of heterocyclic amines by creatine, which are known as probable cancer-causing agents. The key issue is that to form these compounds, creatine must be heated in the presence of amino acids, sugars and acid. These situations are not encountered with creatine supplements, a fact not stated by the French report. Thus, there is no risk of cancer formation from creatine supplements.

We contacted Dr. Markus Wyss, from Hoffman-LaRoche in Basel, Switzerland, lead author of the review (which we have in our possession), on formation of carcinogens referenced by the French report. He stated to us that there is "definitely not" any risk of cancer from creatine supplements. He also goes on to claim his article was misinterpreted by the French report. He emphatically stated that "At present, there is ABSOLUTELY NO indication that creatine supplementation is carcinogenic." [emphasis his]

There was one report that the compounds in question were formed at body temperature (37°C), and the French report used that single article to base their dire estimations. According to Dr. Wyss, the results of that article have never been reproduced or seen by anyone else. In addition, the conditions were very specific, only trace amounts were formed and the study conditions do not correlate with real-life situations.

The issue of heterocyclic amine formation in cooked foods is not new, and has been a very large field of research for many years. Accordingly, many papers have examined this issue. Cooked foods (meats) are the source. Creatine supplements are not cooked, and thus, there is NO risk that carcinogens can be formed from creatine supplements at any dose.

The French report called for a ban on creatine supplements because of an unproven and unlikely link to cancer. If we follow their logic, then first, all meats should be banned immediately, since there is extensive and probable evidence that eating cooked meat is associated with higher rates of cancer. Putting reality into perspective makes the French position ludicrous.

Bottom line: There is no evidence or risk of cancer from creatine supplements.

Luke R. Bucci, PhD, CCN C(ASCP) CNS

 

[YellowJacket]

At issue is the formation of heterocyclic amines by creatine, which are known as probable cancer-causing agents. The key issue is that to form these compounds, creatine must be heated in the presence of amino acids, sugars and acid. These situations are not encountered with creatine supplements, a fact not stated by the French report.

I believe this statement sums it up brother. The French misintepreted the article.

 

[YellowJacket]

Two threads I recommend. Probably the most extensive compilation of creatine info. you'll find....


Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Creatine

Whats In Your Creatine?

 

[Conceptions]

But why if this is also not true? i mean what HARD evidence is there?

 

[YellowJacket]

This article I have should help you also:


A recent report, published on the French Agency of Medical Security for Food’s internet site, suggests that creatine may pose a cancer risk. I have two problems with the claim.

First, the report states that creatine "constitutes a risk that has not been sufficiently evaluated, particularly in the long term.” If there is no long-term studies on creatine, why does the report believe there is a long-term risk for cancer?

Secondly, the report cites no studies to back up its allegation. In contrast, there are four papers in scientific journals that show that creatine actually inhibits tumors in animal studies. So, not only does creatine not promote cancer but it may even help prevent cancer. Here is a brief history and overview of creatine.

There is little doubt, when you study the scientific literature and talk to athletes, that creatine improves certain types of athletic performance. This is especially true in power sports that require short-term explosive muscle contraction. Creatine increases muscle mass, strength, explosive power, and stamina. Because of these effects, this popular supplement is now widely used in the sports such as wrestling, football, and baseball. A recent study found that 48% of Division 1 NCAA male athletes take or have taken creatine. Last year, an estimated six to eight million pounds were consumed in the United States. Although creatine has been widely used in the U.S. since 1992, some caution that creatine has not been around long enough to determine the any potential long-term side effects. Others are opposed to creatine supplementation purely for philosophic reasons. Recently, for example, the previously discussed French report said creatine “is contrary to the rules, spirit and significance of sport.” As a pathologist with a lifetime of experience in solving medical puzzles, I have been trained to study the scientific facts and ignore rumors and half-truths. Here is what I have discovered about creatine.

Background
Creatine is a protein made from amino acids. Our body makes one gram each day from protein. We also eat about one gram of creatine each day from meats such as beef, chicken or fish. Creatine is not a source of energy in itself, but stores energy you get from your food. Creatine acts like uncharged battery. When it is charged with energy from food, it becomes the major energy source for immediate anaerobic muscle contraction. When extra creatine is taken to increase muscle creatine levels, then more energy is available for muscle contraction. Vegetarians or athletes who don’t consume enough protein may have abnormally low muscle creatine levels. We have learned much of what we know about vitamins by studying what happens when a person has a vitamin deficiency. Two examples help us to understand creatine’s role in the body. In animal studies, researchers have blocked creatine uptake by the muscle cells. The result is a loss of fast-twitch (type two) muscle fibers. This is the type of muscle that is called into action first in power sports such as wrestling.

Secondly, some children have a genetic defect where they can not make creatine in their body. As a result they have muscle loss and weakness. Creatine supplementation strengthens these children. Both these examples show that creatine is necessary for healthy, strong muscle.

High Dietary Intake of Creatine

In times past, hunters such as the American Plains Indians, African Tribes, and Eskimos ate huge amounts of meat. During certain seasons, they consumed almost an all-meat diet. Since meat contains about one gram of creatine per each half pound, these hunters easily consumed 3-5 grams of creatine per day. Remarkably, this creatine dosage is similar to that recommended today by many scientists. Since mankind began and remained a hunter for thousands of years, it seems highly unlikely that heavy consumption of creatine containing meat is dangerous.

Creatine Supplement Use Not New

While creatine is “new” to many here in the U.S., it is not “new” to the rest of the world. The Russians and other Eastern Block countries have used creatine as a sport supplement for at least twenty years. Perhaps this helps explain why the Eastern Block countries beat the West so badly for many years in the Olympics. Recently, I spoke to a Russian Sports scientist who candidly told me that the Russians never found any injurious effects while using creatine.

Creatine Use In the United States

In the West creatine has been manufactured for about nine years. Creatine was first used by successfully in the West in the 1992 Olympics. As creatine began to be readily available in the United States many bodybuilders began taking creatine in massive amounts. Thinking that if a little is good, more must be better they took twenty, forty, and even sixty grams of powder a day, all without injurious effect on their health. If creatine were dangerous, these human “guinea pigs” would have clearly demonstrated these effects over the past nine years.

Physicians Using Creatine Have Found No Creatine Toxicity

During the past few years medical scientists and physicians have begun experiments to learn if creatine can be used to treat various medical disorders. In these carefully done studies, under close medical supervision, doctors have not reported any injurious creatine effects on the body. On the contrary, many of these studies show promise that creatine can be helpful in preventing or slowing certain disorders such as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease.

Ideas to Consider Before Using Creatine

Despite many positive results, some people report minor side effects such as stomach aches, diarrhea, and dehydration. These are probably caused by two things. When high doses of powder enter the stomach, they draw water from the body, causing the intestine to cramp. Secondly, some people take large doses of creatine powder, thinking that if a little bit is good then a lot would be better. I suggest a dosage of 3 to 5 grams per day using a product such as the creatine chewing gum or a chewable creatine tablet. People using these products and dosage have not reported any of the above side effects.

Both products give you an exact dose of creatine so you don't have to worry about mixing or measuring. These products allow the creatine to be absorbed right in the mouth. This bypasses the stomach acid which can destroy up to 60% of the creatine. Both retain all the advantages of creatine and avoid the problems associated with the powder.

Use Creatine Made in the U.S. or Germany

There are three primary manufacturing sources of creatine powder: China, Germany, and the United States. Companies buy creatine from one of these sources, package it, mix it with other ingredients and make it into a product. I recommend buying U.S. or German creatine because of their strict manufacturing standards. It will cost you more, but it is well worth it.

Summary

Despite all the rumor and speculation that we all have heard over the past few years, I find no credible evidence that creatine supplementation is harmful in anyway to our health. On the contrary, an ample amount of creatine is absolutely necessary for healthy muscle and other cellular function.

Dr. Lynn Myers is widely regarded as one of the country’s foremost experts on nutrition. He has been interviewed by CNN Sports and on ESPN’s “One On One Sports".

1. Clin J. Sport Med., 1999, Jul. v. 9, (3), p. 167-169 2. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 2000 Mar; 32 (3): p. 706-17

All Rights Reserved Lynn Myers MD

 

[YellowJacket]

Another from IFBB.com

Written by Jim Schmaltz
First the facts. Creatine is safe. It is produced naturally from amino acids in the body and stored in muscles. Creatine in supplement form works as a training aid for many athletes. Creatine has never been proven to be carcinogenic or a health risk. And creatine has nothing to do with any perceived decline of Western civilization.

Unfortunately, news stories published around the world Wednesday claimed otherwise. These alarming bulletins of a creatine-cancer link were based on a report posted on the Web site of the French Agency of Medical Security for Food (AFSSA) that demonized the popular sports supplement. In its report, the AFSSA contends that creatine supplements present "a potential carcinogenic risk," offer little if any benefit to athletes, and should be banned by all sports governing organizations.

The French officials' statements were based on their interpretations of a smattering of old data of questionable relevance - not on any new research. Not only is there no new information released by the AFSSA report, its assertions are simply wrong. In fact, many of the studies listed in the bibliography of the AFSSA report actually confirm creatine's safety and effectiveness.

Some of these studies have been cited in FLEX magazine. FLEX Science Editor Jim Wright, PhD, has written extensively on creatine supplements, and as recently as the December 2000 issue, Wright cited several dozen studies published last year in peer-reviewed journals that verified creatine's safety. "Creatine is one of the most scrutinized sports supplements in history," says Wright, "and it continues to be proven safe in scientific research."

So, how did last Wednesday's creatine scare story get its legs? How could respected news organizations accept these sensationalized findings by a French government agency and circulate them all over the world?

Blame it on a variety of factors. First, there are the now familiar excesses caused by the increasingly competitive need to be the first to run breaking news. Combine that with the immediacy of the Internet, and the first casualty is the cherished journalistic practice of carefully verifying stories and contacting corroborating sources.

Then there are the factors peculiar to this issue. Clearly, some of the finer points of the French report were lost in translation, and we don't mean in the language differences. Rather, the conversion from scientific data to practical layman's vernacular was once again irresponsibly mishandled by a media unprepared to carefully judge scientific reports. The result led to the AFSSA's faulty conclusions going unexamined and unchallenged by news organizations before being distributed over the wires.

As culpable as the mainstream media is in this situation, the worst culprit in this fiasco by far is the AFSSA with its groundless assertions of a supplemental creatine-cancer link. Where the French officials went awry is in their extrapolation of data from a single review (M. Wyss and R. Kaddurah-Daouk, "Creatine and Creatine Metabolism," Physiological Reviews, 80 [3], 2000) in which researchers determined if creatine in meat could be converted into cancer-causing agents by heat during cooking (see "Meat the Data" below for more details on this study). Inexplicably, the French health authorities implicated supplemental creatine as having the same harmful effects that carcinogenic substances found in charred meat are suspected of having! That's the only support the AFSSA offers for its cancer-creatine claims. That leaves the French report with zero real data even remotely suggesting that supplemental creatine has any cancer-causing or cancer-promoting properties.

Even more damning to the French findings is the response from Dr. Markus Wyss, the lead author of the review at the center of the French report. Wyss was contacted by FLEX Contributing Editor Jeff Feliciano, and the researcher strongly refuted the AFSSA conclusions: "At present, there is absolutely no indication that creatine supplementation is carcinogenic," Wyss informed FLEX (for Dr. Wyss's full comments, see below).

So, not only is the AFSSA report based on weak evidence, the proof they cite supporting their conclusions is contradicted by the very researcher whose work supposedly provides the smoking gun for the creatine-cancer allegations. Of course, you wouldn't know it by the screaming headlines claiming that creatine may cause cancer. The result was needless hysteria, fear and confusion among the many athletes who use supplemental creatine.

The news reports on the creatine-cancer link that permeated the media Wednesday offered little perspective at all, and gave no explanation of the properties or many well-documented benefits of creatine. The accuracy and relevance of the AFSSA's information were never questioned. We call on all news organizations that distributed this sensationalized story to clarify the facts of this important subject.


DR. WYSS REFUTES FRENCH FINDINGS
The following is an exchange between FLEX Contributing Editor Jeff Feliciano and Dr. Markus Wyss, lead researcher of the study that the AFSSA cited as indicating a creatine-cancer link.
FLEX:
Dr. Wyss, recently a report from the French Agency of Medical Security for Food (AFSSA) stated that there is evidence that creatine monohydrate is carcinogenic. They base their statements on information taken from your recent creatine review ("Creatine and Creatinine Metabolism," Physiological Reviews, 2000; 80[3]:1107-1213.). Is it your opinion that dietary creatine monohydrate taken in supplement form poses a potential cancer risk?

Dr. Markus Wyss:
To give a straight answer right at the beginning: definitely not (based on current knowledge).

The rumor of French "experts" linking creatine to a potential cancer risk is a typical example of over- and misinterpretation of scientific data. In a recent scientific review, Rima Kaddurah-Daouk from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, and I have tried to provide an objective picture of almost all aspects of creatine metabolism known to date. We mentioned all the potential benefits of creatine and of creatine analogues, but also indicated in which areas our knowledge is still not sufficiently complete, and where, therefore, additional studies are required to evaluate any kind of potential side effects.

However, the cancer risk mentioned by the French food safety experts is definitely the lowest possible risk. We've mentioned in our review that during the cooking of meat, potential carcinogens may be formed from creatine - although in such a low concentration that it is still not clear whether they contribute to any significant extent to our overall cancer risk. Since human beings are not supposed to be(come) cannibals, this mechanism is irrelevant in the present context.

It's true that there is one reference in the scientific literature that reports formation of these carcinogenic metabolites also at 37 °C. However, this is a single isolated report that could not be reproduced by others, definitely is not representative, and in which - again - only very low concentrations of these metabolites were formed. It is therefore highly questionable whether these in vitro findings (under artificial conditions) have any relevance at all for people ingesting creatine.

The conclusion from the above pieces of evidence must be:


At present, there is absolutely no indication that creatine supplementation may be carcinogenic in humans.

There must be a balanced evaluation of all possible benefits and risks of creatine and its analogues. At present, clearly, the (scientific) literature is in favor of the benefits. However, to be perfectly sure about the safety of creatine supplementation, the still open questions are worthwhile to be answered in an educated, scientific way.

Scientific literature is not to be confounded with a popular science report and needs careful and critical evaluation. Rather than creating a lot of confusion and rumours, it would have been a wiser approach by the French authorities to consult the true experts in the field for a balanced opinion.
I sincerely hope that we can continue to build on the many favourable effects of creatine supplementation in health and disease.


MEAT THE DATA
What the Wyss and Kaddurah-Daouk Study Really Says
The Wyss and Kaddurah-Daouk reference cited in the AFSSA report discusses the formation of cancer-causing chemicals called AIA (amino-imidazo-azaarenes) that are produced when foods that contain creatine/creatinine are cooked, particularly when the food is charred. The study did not look at supplemental creatine monohydrate, the type used by athletes and the focus of the French report. Clearly, and without question, creatine and its metabolic relative creatinine are themselves not carcinogenic. Furthermore, Wyss and Kaddurah-Daouk posit that "creatinine rather than creatine is likely to be the actual precursor for AIA mutagens."
Wyss and Kaddurah-Daouk go on to state that creatine is not the only component required for the production of AIA in charred meat. Heat, amino acids and sugar are also required. Omission of any one component from the mixture greatly reduces mutagenicity. And despite the potential for charring creatine/creatinine to produce AIA, food-borne mutagens are not restricted to cooked creatine/creatinine-containing foods. AIA are also found in beer, wine, and roasted coffee beans to name only a few other potential sources.


RESEARCH MEMO

DATE: 31 January, 2001

SUBJECT: CREATINE CANCER SCARE UNTRUE

After careful investigation into the issue of creatine and cancer, we have concluded that the report from the AFSSA in France constitutes unscientific characterizations about creatine causing cancer.

At issue is the formation of heterocyclic amines by creatine, which are known as probable cancer-causing agents. The key issue is that to form these compounds, creatine must be heated in the presence of amino acids, sugars and acid. These situations are not encountered with creatine supplements, a fact not stated by the French report. Thus, there is no risk of cancer formation from creatine supplements.

We contacted Dr. Markus Wyss, from Hoffman-LaRoche in Basel, Switzerland, lead author of the review (which we have in our possession), on formation of carcinogens referenced by the French report. He stated to us that there is "definitely not" any risk of cancer from creatine supplements. He also goes on to claim his article was misinterpreted by the French report. He emphatically stated that "At present, there is ABSOLUTELY NO indication that creatine supplementation is carcinogenic." [emphasis his]

There was one report that the compounds in question were formed at body temperature (37°C), and the French report used that single article to base their dire estimations. According to Dr. Wyss, the results of that article have never been reproduced or seen by anyone else. In addition, the conditions were very specific, only trace amounts were formed and the study conditions do not correlate with real-life situations.

The issue of heterocyclic amine formation in cooked foods is not new, and has been a very large field of research for many years. Accordingly, many papers have examined this issue. Cooked foods (meats) are the source. Creatine supplements are not cooked, and thus, there is NO risk that carcinogens can be formed from creatine supplements at any dose.

The French report called for a ban on creatine supplements because of an unproven and unlikely link to cancer. If we follow their logic, then first, all meats should be banned immediately, since there is extensive and probable evidence that eating cooked meat is associated with higher rates of cancer. Putting reality into perspective makes the French position ludicrous.

Bottom line: There is no evidence or risk of cancer from creatine supplements.

Luke R. Bucci, PhD, CCN C(ASCP) CNS


Curriculum Vitae
Dr. Bucci received his Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences (Biochemistry and Cell Biology) from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in 1983.
A Postdoctoral appointment to the Department of Experimental Radiotherapy at M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute (University of Texas System Cancer Center) followed.

Next, Dr. Bucci was Director of Research for Biotics Research Corporation, a nutritional supplement manufacturer.

In 1991, Dr. Bucci formed InnerPath Nutrition, a practice in clinical nutrition, and a nutritional consulting and educational company.

In 1992, Dr. Bucci became Director of Science and Quality for SpectraCell Laboratories, Inc., a clinical laboratory specializing in functional nutrient assessment by lymphocyte growth responses in a series of serum-free media.

Dr. Bucci continues to conduct medical education and relicensing seminars on nutritional topics, be featured on national television and radio news programs, and has been invited to speak at the US Olympic Center, National Institutes of Health, and meetings in Europe and Asia.

Dr. Bucci is the inventor on several patents concerning dietary supplementation and clinical laboratory testing.

Dr. Bucci has authored Nutrients as Ergogenic Aids for Sport and Exercise (1993) and Nutrition Applied to Injury Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine (1994) for CRC Press, and Pain-Free (1995) and Healing Arthritis the Natural Way (1997) by The Summit Group to educate health care practitioners and the public about benefits of nutrients.

Dr. Bucci has published several books, chapters and scientific articles in a diverse array of prestigious journals, and is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Utah.

In 1994, Dr. Bucci received the CCN of the Year Award from the IAACN.

Dr. Bucci is a Member of the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board, which certifies Clinical Nutritionists.

Dr. Bucci is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, a Certified Nutrition Specialist, and a Certified Chemist in Medical Technology, reflecting his major interests in nutrition and clinical laboratories.

 

[Conceptions]

Thanks a lot man! now i'm more knowledgable on creatine

-edit- is knowledgable a word? lol -edit-

 

[eleanor123]

Creatine is really very dangerous it not only can cause cancer but also has other adverse effects liked it decreases the sperm's count which can produce complications for reproduction.

 

[RenegadeRows]

Creatine is really very dangerous it not only can cause cancer but also has other adverse effects liked it decreases the sperm's count which can produce complications for reproduction.

Proof?
Strong first post....

 

[heavylifter33]

Creatine is really very dangerous it not only can cause cancer but also has other adverse effects liked it decreases the sperm's count which can produce complications for reproduction.

No.... just no.

 

[GQNemesis]

Creatine is really very dangerous it not only can cause cancer but also has other adverse effects liked it decreases the sperm's count which can produce complications for reproduction.

I think u meant caffine lol

 

[Jasen]

..... its the french...... that's were I stopped reading

 

[flightposite]

My sperm is strong like bull and I take creatine lol

 

[Griz15]

Creatine is really very dangerous it not only can cause cancer but also has other adverse effects liked it decreases the sperm's count which can produce complications for reproduction.

No offense but that was just stupid to say lol. Never heard of that once.