Why is it that some people feel absolutely no effect from creatine?
Creatine monohydrate is an amazing supplement. In fact, it would not be a stretch to call it the most amazing bodybuilding supplement ever, to date.
Study after study has demonstrated that creatine monohydrate is safe in most persons. Creatine is so widely used, that the populations that can benefit range from the very young to the very elderly.
Science being science, however, has always tried to understand the specific conditions under which a substance or drug works, and those conditions under which it will not.
So, not surprisingly, science has been looking for populations and conditions under which creatine is ineffective. It appears that one population has been found.
A study by researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada has shown that for some persons with muscular dystrophy, a dosage of 5g of creatine daily does not have any significant effect on muscle strength, body composition or activities of daily living.
It is well known that there exists a population of creatine non-responders. It is also known that the symptoms of muscular dystrophy vary across the population. It would be interesting to investigate the so-called non-responders out there, and see if any symptoms of mild muscular dystrophy are present in this population.
Thus, if you are a creatine monohydrate non-responder, and if every other aspect of your lifestyle is ideal (diet, exercise, etc), consider seeing a physician. It may be indicative of a higher problem of which you are unaware.
Do not panic, though. Most non-responders report no symptoms consistent with MS. It is, however, prudent to be sure.