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Is It Safe to Combine Alcohol and Creatine?

Benjamin Arie
Benjamin Arie

In general, the combination of alcohol and creatine my not be innately harmful, but it is not typically recommended. Creatine is a nutritional supplement that is often used by athletes and bodybuilders; it is also produced naturally by the human body, and can be used as a short-term energy source. In powder form, creatine is often mixed with water or juice when it is taken as a sports aid. While small amounts of alcoholic beverages can be consumed along with creatine, the use of alcohol and creatine can counteract the muscle-building advantages of this supplement.

The scientific name for creatine is “methylguanido-acetic acid.” It consists of several different amino acids that are interlinked that all play an important role in replenishing the energy stores that are used during an intense muscle contraction. People can naturally boost their creatine levels through the consumption of foods such as fish and red meat. By consistently taking creatine in supplement form, individuals can load or “saturate” their muscles with key amino acids that are useful for intense physical activity.

Bodybuilders often use creatine.
Bodybuilders often use creatine.

Most supplements come in a condensed form, and must be combined with a beverage. Creatine is most effective when it is mixed with carbohydrates, such as those found in a sugar-rich beverage. High levels of carbs cause the body’s insulin levels to rise, which increases the uptake of amino acids into the muscle cells. Some supplement powders come pre-mixed with carbohydrates and creatine to take advantage of this nutritional fact. Substances such as dextrose or simple sugar can also be consumed at the same time as creatine in order to maximize its effectiveness.

Fish is a source of creatine.
Fish is a source of creatine.

Despite the presence of carbohydrates within alcohol, beverages such as wine and beer are usually not recommended alongside creatine. Research indicates that the combination of alcohol and creatine will not immediately cause harmful effects, but can hinder athletic performance. Several scientific studies show that alcohol decreases the level of testosterone within the body. Low levels of testosterone means that less muscle can be maintained. Additionally, alcohol often has a negative effect on motivation and response time, and can significantly impede athletic performance.

The combination of alcohol and creatine may cause stomach pain.
The combination of alcohol and creatine may cause stomach pain.

Hydration is very important for proper muscle function. When the body is dehydrated, creatine cannot be properly converted into energy. Alcoholic drinks are natural diuretics. This means that beer or liquor will draw water away from the muscles, and cause the body to excrete a large amount of fluid in the urine. The frequent combination of alcohol and creatine can lead to muscle cramps, stomach discomfort, and other dehydration symptoms.

Discussion Comments

anon958513

Moderation is key. I had the same experience John. I had to head out to Vegas for the weekend and stopped my creatine intake and followed back on Monday and everything seems to be back to normal.

anon336517

Creatine as well as alcohol are both quite dehydrating, so combining them is often not suggested. However, if you cannot avoid it, then try small amounts of alcohol and drink lots of water along with it and after drinking. Usually drink after a meal.

ZipLine

@ddljohn-- It's okay if you're not taking more than five grams of creatine a day and if you increase your water intake to more than a gallon on the days you drink.

But if you're aiming to be a body-builder, it's best not to drink in general in my opinion.

ysmina

@ddljohn-- I personally haven't had any problems drinking while on creatine. The only side effect I've noticed is that both make you dehydrated, so when you take them together, it's extremely dehydrating. But I can work around that by drinking lots and lots of water before and after drinking alcohol to replace what I lost.

I think you'll be okay. You might want to take it easy the first day and see how you react. Just don't forget to drink your water.

ddljohn

I started taking creatine supplements several weeks ago and I've been seeing good results so far with muscle gain. I'm worried about next weekend though because I have to go for my sister's wedding and there will be a lot of partying before and after. I don't want to skip out on the alcohol but I don't want to stop taking creatine either.

Do you think it will be okay?

Has anyone here had experience with this and can advise me?

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    • Bodybuilders often use creatine.
      By: Luis Louro
      Bodybuilders often use creatine.
    • Fish is a source of creatine.
      By: tab62
      Fish is a source of creatine.
    • The combination of alcohol and creatine may cause stomach pain.
      By: lightwavemedia
      The combination of alcohol and creatine may cause stomach pain.
    • The combination of alcohol and creatine may cause muscle cramps.
      By: Maridav
      The combination of alcohol and creatine may cause muscle cramps.
    • Mixing creatine and alcohol is not recommended.
      By: graja
      Mixing creatine and alcohol is not recommended.
    • Creatine is used to build muscles during exercise.
      By: Clifford Farrugia
      Creatine is used to build muscles during exercise.
    • Meat is a source of creatine.
      By: kazoka303030
      Meat is a source of creatine.