Creatine tends to draw water away from the body into muscle cells, which can lead to serious dehydration. People using creatine should make sure they drink plenty of water or other fluids. Although creatine occurs naturally in foods it is not known whether high doses of supplemental creatine for a number of years can injure the kidney. Creatine supplements often cause gastrointestinal upset- this is usually a minor annoyance. Another frequent complaint is joint aches and stiffness.
Creatine supplements disolve poorly in water and noncarbonated beverages.
Creatine powders and crystals dissolve much better in a carbonated beverage. This is nothing more than a carbonated product. The same effect can be obtained by dissolving creatine in carbonated water or soda. Finally, because creatine is not classified as a drug there are no guarantees of its purity. Some studies have found compositions very different than what was supposed to be in the container.