Quick creatine question

[freshmansemina]

I plan on taking creatine my question is should I
Also take electrolytes along with it?

 

[jfigliuolo]

Doesn't really matter, BEST time is with post workout high carb drink. But doubt BEST really matters if you take it every day. Consistently is way more important

 

[Resolve10]

Not sure it matters. You could kill two birds with one stone by using Magnesium Creatine Chelate to get a highly bio available form of Magnesium (one of the electrolytes) with your Creatine. Otherwise just take electrolytes when you need them and take your Creatine daily (or on training days if you train often).

 

[cheftepesh1]

I’ve never heard anything mentioned about the benefits of electrolytes with creatine. I’d be interested if anyone has a study on it.

 

[freshmansemina]

I’ve never heard anything mentioned about the benefits of electrolytes with creatine. I’d be interested if anyone has a study on it.

I was reading if you drink a lot of water the amount of electrolytes in your body will decrease. So I thought to increase my electrolyte intake While on creatine. But everyone on here says I'll be fine without it and it's simply not
Worth it.

 

[Resolve10]

I’ve never heard anything mentioned about the benefits of electrolytes with creatine. I’d be interested if anyone has a study on it.

Likely nothing major, more info below other quote.

The use of electrolytes being bound to creatine for increased efficiency and uptake has been theorized before though and as previously mentioned tons love Magnesium Creatine Chelate. I'll link an old thread on a no longer available product that used to also use Sodium and Potasium Creatine Chelate which I used to love as well.

Trinitine Write up by Dr. Dana Houser

I was reading if you drink a lot of water the amount of electrolytes in your body will decrease. So I thought to increase my electrolyte intake While on creatine. But everyone on here says I'll be fine without it and it's simply not
Worth it.

If you are increasing water intake then yes you may need subsequent electrolyte intake increases.

As far as for specifically due to creatine, less likely. People have raised concerns about dehydration and cramping with creatine in the past, but that isn't really an issue (you can check the section "Does creatine lead to dehydration and muscle cramping?" in the study linked below).

From the same study:

Creatine is taken up into muscle from circulation by a sodium-dependent creatine transporter. Since the transport involves sodium, water will also be taken up into muscle to help maintain intracellular osmolality. However, considering the activity of the sodium-potassium pumps, it is not likely that intracellular sodium concentration is dramatically affected by creatine supplementation.

Plus:

In summary, while there is some evidence to suggest that creatine supplementation increases water retention, primarily attributed to increases in intracellular volume, over the short term, there are several other studies suggesting it does not alter total body water (intra or extracellular) relative to muscle mass over longer periods of time. As a result, creatine supplementation may not lead to water retention.

For active individuals increased electrolyte intake is likely advised, but again probably more independent to creatine intake needs/concerns.

Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?