Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Thailand News and Discussion Forum | ASEANNOW

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

Creatine - can this muscle-boosting supplement sharpen my brain?

Featured Replies

4 minutes ago, 248900_1469958220 said:

The powder has 33 g per scoop and less than 1 g of sugar per serve.  Its a Thai tea flavor. 

That might be BAAM. 33g seems high but think they all overstate.  A few years back some people tested Optimal nutrition at labs and even they were overstating by around 5 grams.  

  • Replies 48
  • Views 882
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Most Popular Posts

  • Creatine is the most researched supplement on the planet and the safest supplement, and have no side effects whatsoever at 5g or less. Some water retention and some bloating can happen to some few, bu

  • We do with the decreasing quality of your posts!

  • georgegeorgia
    georgegeorgia

    I take 5mg a day  Although it does give me anxiety I noticed 

Posted Images

1 hour ago, Cameroni said:

I eat the gummies. 10 mg a day. Not noticing any difference.

We do with the decreasing quality of your posts!

6 minutes ago, DezLez said:

We do with the decreasing quality of your posts!

 

So it's fine for you to take then.

 

We won't notice any decrease in quality.

2 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

So it's fine for you to take then.

I would never touch that, or any other sh!t like it with a barge poll!

 

1 hour ago, atpeace said:

Just dropped it after a 5 month trial taking 6g a day. Did nothing for me mentally or physically.  I think some can be non-responders for some reason.  

You are not supposed to feel anything, and if you feel something, it is because of placebo. Yes if you work out, you can have some gains in muscles due to more fluids in muscle, and you can lift a bit more but that’s it. It and if you feel better about yourself just the process of taking something and make changes, which can give you a better day overall. But jut taking creatine doesnt make you feel anything, just by doing so. Very few normal people work out so hard, that creatine will make big changes. It is the long term effect of taking creatine that is essential here . 

2 hours ago, Hummin said:

You are not supposed to feel anything, and if you feel something, it is because of placebo. Yes if you work out, you can have some gains in muscles due to more fluids in muscle, and you can lift a bit more but that’s it. It and if you feel better about yourself just the process of taking something and make changes, which can give you a better day overall. But jut taking creatine doesnt make you feel anything, just by doing so. Very few normal people work out so hard, that creatine will make big changes. It is the long term effect of taking creatine that is essential here . 

Many would disagree with you. Many tell how they became more clear headed and their memory improved within the first 30 days.  Also many studies out there that show increased muscle mass within 30 days for regular people at the gym.  Maybe if i stayed on it for years as you suggest I would see some of the  benefits but not worth the hassle for me.

 

Also, I've always been muscular and I'm not trying to put on more muscle.  I was just curious if it could increase my speed and mental clarity.  Sadly it didn't 😞  Cool it is giving you some marginal gains.

22 minutes ago, atpeace said:

Many would disagree with you. Many tell how they became more clear headed and their memory improved within the first 30 days.  Also many studies out there that show increased muscle mass within 30 days for regular people at the gym.  Maybe if i stayed on it for years as you suggest I would see some of the  benefits but not worth the hassle for me.

 

Also, I've always been muscular and I'm not trying to put on more muscle.  I was just curious if it could increase my speed and mental clarity.  Sadly it didn't 😞  Cool it is giving you some marginal gains.

 

 

I was going to give a reply but by double checking I got some answers from AI which makes sense as I see it. Creatine is a supplement that works and they have found solid proof as well many years experience by athletes who uses it. Nothing is better if someone feels it works for them, and any positive results is a + 

 

 

Creatine supplementation increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in the brain, which can improve cognition, short-term memory, and processing speed, especially in older adults or during metabolic stress like sleep deprivation. While effects on healthy, young individuals are less pronounced, creatine shows potential for neuroprotection, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improving outcomes in conditions like traumatic brain injury and muscular dystrophy. However, evidence for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's is still emerging and requires more research

 

(excess AI content removed)

 

 

5 hours ago, Hummin said:

 

And many forget enough sodium and potassium while living in Thailand. Another factor for many is bad kidney health 

 

Was at a mall yesterday and saw 10-15  x-pats/tourists and not one of them needed more potassium or sodium. On average they need to shed 50 lbs.  

 

I struggle with both and have to constantly add salt and potassium powder to my drinks while training hard because I sweat like no other human I've met during hard training.   I still am usually low in both when I have I get blood work.  Last week I was above normal for the first time I can remember.  Think I finally nailed the right mix of electrolytes in my drinks!

 

How do you test your kidney function considering you are a serious lifter which increases your creatinine because of muscle mass and in many cases taking creatine also increases creatinine.

31 minutes ago, Hummin said:

 

 

I was going to give a reply but by double checking I got some answers from AI which makes sense as I see it. Creatine is a supplement that works and they have found solid proof as well many years experience by athletes who uses it. Nothing is better if someone feels it works for them, and any positive results is a + 

 

 

 

I agree and it is a hot influencer topic of late.  I think it can give someone a little extra and the risk are minute it seems.

11 hours ago, atpeace said:

How do you test your kidney function considering you are a serious lifter which increases your creatinine because of muscle mass and in many cases taking creatine also increases creatinine.

 

Not sure how to measure kidney function, but studies seem to suggest creatine does not cause kidney issues, unless you already have a pre-existing kidney problem. 

 

This guy is not taking it only because he has a pre-existing kidney issue. 

 

image.png.4f2c5f37a007af4c7c13ffb5d54afeda.png

 

 

14 hours ago, Hummin said:

You are not supposed to feel anything, and if you feel something, it is because of placebo.

 

But I think one reason some people are experimenting with doses of 20 mg/day is to feel an immediate effect in the brain. 

I need to research it a bit more to make sure it's safe before trying. Seems like a high dose. 

 

6 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

 

Not sure how to measure kidney function, but studies seem to suggest creatine does not cause kidney issues, unless you already have a pre-existing kidney problem. 

 

This guy is not taking it only because he has a pre-existing kidney issue. 

 

image.png.4f2c5f37a007af4c7c13ffb5d54afeda.png

 

 

I agree but standard kidney function tests are in large part based on creatinine( not creatine) which creatine usually elevates as does muscle mass.  My standard kidney function test placed me in stage 2 of kidney disease.  Some labs in Thailand are now offering a cystatin C test that isn't impacted by creatine and is a much better indicator of kidney health and my kidneys are functioning like someone in there twenties.

49 minutes ago, atpeace said:

Was at a mall yesterday and saw 10-15  x-pats/tourists and not one of them needed more potassium or sodium. On average they need to shed 50 lbs.  

 

I struggle with both and have to constantly add salt and potassium powder to my drinks while training hard because I sweat like no other human I've met during hard training.   I still am usually low in both when I have I get blood work.  Last week I was above normal for the first time I can remember.  Think I finally nailed the right mix of electrolytes in my drinks!

 

How do you test your kidney function considering you are a serious lifter which increases your creatinine because of muscle mass and in many cases taking creatine also increases creatinine.

I have high levels of creatine but as long you are healthy and training, it is natural + additional 3g supplemented. I check regularly so all in all I’m good as well dr says it is normal. 

 

A 128 µmol/L creatinine blood level is a normal-to-slightly-high value, especially if you exercise intensely and take a creatine supplement, and does not necessarily indicate a problem. Creatine is converted to creatinine, so supplementing and intense exercise can temporarily elevate your levels, as can dehydration or a high-protein diet.To accurately interpret this result, your healthcare provider should be informed about your exercise habits and supplementation, as they will consider these factors along with your overall health and symptoms to determine if further investigation is needed

29 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

 

But I think one reason some people are experimenting with doses of 20 mg/day is to feel an immediate effect in the brain. 

I need to research it a bit more to make sure it's safe before trying. Seems like a high dose. 

 

It used to be 20 g a day for a week or two in the start, but today’s recommendations is max 3g - 5g for most people or 

1 hour ago, atpeace said:

Was at a mall yesterday and saw 10-15  x-pats/tourists and not one of them needed more potassium or sodium. On average they need to shed 50 lbs.  

 

I struggle with both and have to constantly add salt and potassium powder to my drinks while training hard because I sweat like no other human I've met during hard training.   I still am usually low in both when I have I get blood work.  Last week I was above normal for the first time I can remember.  Think I finally nailed the right mix of electrolytes in my drinks!

 

How do you test your kidney function considering you are a serious lifter which increases your creatinine because of muscle mass and in many cases taking creatine also increases creatinine.

 

I have found the best electrolytes to be fresh coconut water, and start the day with one coconut while Im in Thailand, and drink a lot of water during the day. For you maybe two coconuts could help you a lot. To much Coffe? Black Te?  And sugar drinks drains your electrolytes so best avoided if you do drink a lot. 

2 minutes ago, Hummin said:

I have high levels of creatine but as long you are healthy and training, it is natural + additional 3g supplemented. I check regularly so all in all I’m good as well dr says it is normal. 

 

A 128 µmol/L creatinine blood level is a normal-to-slightly-high value, especially if you exercise intensely and take a creatine supplement, and does not necessarily indicate a problem. Creatine is converted to creatinine, so supplementing and intense exercise can temporarily elevate your levels, as can dehydration or a high-protein diet.To accurately interpret this result, your healthcare provider should be informed about your exercise habits and supplementation, as they will consider these factors along with your overall health and symptoms to determine if further investigation is needed

My creatinine was 135 and really wasn't  too concerned for the reasons you mentioned.  I didn't take creatine or do any intense training sessions leading up to the test so the number was higher than expected.  The newer more dependable Cystatin C test( Doesn't measure creatinine) is now available in Thailand and I got tested last  last week. Kidney is very healthy 🙂

 

My neighbor here in Thailand kidney failed during the height of the Covid pandemic.  All his friends were gone so I had to drive him to hospital and checkin on him until he passed.   Wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.  

I took creatine for a bout a year, at 5 gram a day, mixed with protein after workout.

It worked for me to increase strength, which previously had reached a limit.

Though I stopped taking it a few months ago, as it elevated creatinine levels, which may not be so healthy for the kidneys.

Some studies also make that suggestion, and although it is a much researched supplement, much more research is needed

When I was taking creatine, I would every morning wake up with a mouth dry as powder, that was when I noticed something wasn't right with my kidneys.

A blood test also showed higher than normal creatinine levels.

About 2 weeks after I stopped taking creatine, the dry mouth symptoms disappeared.

5 hours ago, DezLez said:

I would never touch that, or any other sh!t like it with a barge poll!

 

My brain hurts just thinking about it !

On 9/22/2025 at 3:06 PM, atpeace said:

That might be BAAM. 33g seems high but think they all overstate.  A few years back some people tested Optimal nutrition at labs and even they were overstating by around 5 grams.  

Its from the US...cant remember the brand. 

Create an account or sign in to comment

Recently Browsing 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.