Does creatine cause baldness? A doctor’s explanations – Current affairs

If you are a sports enthusiast, whether at an amateur or professional level, you have certainly heard of creatine. A myth has arisen around this dietary supplement that claims there is a possible link between creatine consumption and baldness. But is there any scientific proof that creatine promotes hair loss?

Continue reading and find out more about the uses of creatine, how it works in the body and also its possible relationship with permanent hair loss.

What exactly is creatine

In sports, creatine is a supplement used to gain muscle mass. Formed from certain amino acids, including arginine, glycine and methionine, it has been used by athletes since the 1990s to increase both strength and energy levels.

The search for this supplement has given rise to certain myths and doubts regarding its consumption. These include a presumed direct relationship with hair loss and other possible side effects.

How creatine works

With the ingestion of creatine, the body begins to use the surplus of these amino acids that it previously did not have, its main function being to emulate the actions of these substances on the muscles.

There are several scientific studies and clinical trials that show that creatine consumption, combined with regular exercise, can increase muscle strength in the pectoral muscles by up to 5%.

The relationship between creatine and possible hair loss emerged for the first time in 2009, with the publication of a study carried out by J. van der Merwe, published in the journal “Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine”, in which the possible effects were evaluated. secondary effects of creatine consumption in a group of rugby players.

The results of this study showed that regular consumption of creatine supplements led to an increase of more than 50% in the concentration of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in these players. Now, this is one of the hormones linked to androgenic alopecia.

Creatine and hair loss

Although it is true that the results of this study generated a good deal of fear, to date, there is no 100% conclusive evidence that creatine causes hair loss. It is also not clear that creatine can increase DHT levels.

To prevent hair loss, book a free consultation at any of our specialized centers. Our medical team will carry out an exhaustive analysis of your situation, in order to know all the details of your hair health and effectively treat the weakening of follicles using the hair treatments most suited to your needs.

Over the years, we have become experts in cutting-edge techniques such as Hair Mesotherapy, Platelet Rich Plasma, low frequency laser and hair micropigmentation. Any of these treatments can be entirely adapted to your needs, in order to put an end to your baldness.

An article by Carlos Portinha, clinical director of the Insparya group.