Creatine supplements are a rage among bodybuilders and athletes due to its ability to increase strength, function, and structure of muscles. It is also beneficial to the heart, skin, and neurological system of the body. The most preferred type of creatine is that available as monohydrate in the market. It is safe to have in small doses.
However, recently, a few studies have created quite a stir by declaring that creatine can cause hair loss. This has instilled doubt among bodybuilders and gym enthusiasts because they do not want to build bodies at the cost of losing their hair.
Before we plunge into this matter, let’s know what creatine actually is.
Decoding creatine
Creatine is derived from amino acids like methionine, glycine, and arginine. These amino acids are found naturally in the body. So, you can say creatine is an organic substance. The chief function of creatine is to help in building and repairing muscles, at the same time, giving a boost of energy during intense workout.
The body can produce creatine, but not enough to meet your bodybuilding needs. So, people in this field are often advised to load themselves up with meat products and creatine supplements.
What studies show
Studies reveal that taking creatine supplements can increase the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is a byproduct of male hormone testosterone. The enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into DHT.
In one experiment:
A dose of 25 grams creatine supplements was given to 20 male rugby players daily for one week. The dose was then increased by 5 grams.
It was found that, for 21 days, level of testosterone of these players stayed the same. They had no hair loss. However, to the researchers’ surprise, the players’ DHT levels rose by 56 per cent after 7 days of taking the given dose of creatine. After 14 days, DHT level stayed 40 per cent above the normal level compared to the level present in placebo group.
This clearly shows that creatine supplements increases the production of DHT in the body, although they do not increase testosterone production.
DHT and hair loss
DHT is well known for triggering hair loss in males and females. You would be surprised to know that the same DHT encourages hair growth all over the body! However, DHT does not agree well with follicles on the scalp. It is found to hinder proper flow of oxygen and nutrients to the follicles, eventually, leading to their weakening and hair loss.
Conclusion:
If you are taking creatine supplements, please be wary of this study, although the above-mentioned study is limited. Also, the sensitivity of follicles to DHT is different in different people. That’s why some people are more prone to losing hair due to high levels of DHT, while some are not.
Also, no study has, so far, linked intake of creatine to hair loss directly. Studies have only shown that it increases DHT production, but as said above, DHT affects follicles differently in people, depending on their genetic predisposition.
So, you may or may not experience hair loss, depending on your genes.
