In trying to determine the effectiveness of creatine supplementation and short-term power output, Odland et al. There was a control group, a creatine monohydrate group and a placebo group. Following ingestion, subjects performed 30 seconds of maximal cycling. Needle biopsies taken from the vastus lateralis before and after exercise revealed no difference in post-exercise blood lactate concentration or percent fatigue. Therefore, findings revealed that a three day dosage of creatine supplementation does not effect performance during a single short-term maximal cycling task.
Evidence concerning the physical consequences of creatine usage is virtually nonexistent.
Overall, there was a general lack of information regarding effectiveness, and the resources also proved scarce in regards to information surrounding the safety and possible side effects of creatine other than dehydration and muscle cramps. In addition, the Mayo Clinic s Dr. Laskowski expresses concern over the effects of long term usage of creatine. The issue of product purity was also not addressed in most sites. The lack of information concerning these critical aspects of creatine usage implies certain irresponsibility on the behalf of the manufactures. The general public looks to manufacturers and the sources of information they disseminate concerning side effects, effectiveness, and product purity.