Also known as ((amino(Imino)methyl)(methyl)amino)acetic acid, (?-methylguanido)acetic acid, (N-methylcarbamimidamido)acetic acid, (alpha-Methylguanido)acetic acid, Creatin, Kreatin, Methylglycocyamine, N-Amidinosarcosine, alpha-Methylguanidino acetic acid
An endogenous amino acid derivative produced by vertebrate animals and occurring primarily in muscle cells. Creatine is important for energy storage; it is phosphorylated to creatine phosphate, which serves as a phosphate donor in the conversion of ADP to ATP and supplies energy necessary for muscle contraction. Dietary supplementation with creatine may improve muscle wasting associated with cancer and other chronic diseases.
Originator: NCI Thesaurus | Source: The website of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov)
Can I take Creatine while breastfeeding?
Creatine is used as a dietary supplement to increase muscle mass and improve exercise performance. Although creatine is a normal component of human milk, milk levels of creatine have not been measured after exogenous administration in humans. Creatine is converted into creatinine in the mother’s and infant’s bodies. It may increase the infant’s serum creatinine, which may alter estimations of the infant’s kidney function.[1] Some authors speculate that creatine supplementation of nursing mothers might help avoid creatine deficiency syndromes, but no studies are available that test this hypothesis.[2] Until more data are available, it is probably best to avoid creatine supplementation unless it is prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Drug levels
Milk levels of creatine have not been measured after exogenous administration in humans. Creatine is a normal component of human milk.
Maternal Levels. One study found the concentration of creatine to average 25.8 mg/L in normal mothers 3 to 5 days postpartum (n = 3), 18.7 mg/L in mothers 6 to 14 days postpartum (n = 16), and 11.5 mg/L in individual mothers over 15 days postpartum (n = 16). The creatine concentration was 10.1 mg/L in pooled milk from mothers over 15 days postpartum (n = 10).[1]
The creatine concentration in the breastmilk of 3 women was measured. The average concentration was 113 mg/L.[3] Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in breastfed infants
Milk levels of creatine have not been measured after exogenous administration in humans. Creatine is a normal component of human milk.
Maternal Levels. One study found the concentration of creatine to average 25.8 mg/L in normal mothers 3 to 5 days postpartum (n = 3), 18.7 mg/L in mothers 6 to 14 days postpartum (n = 16), and 11.5 mg/L in individual mothers over 15 days postpartum (n = 16). The creatine concentration was 10.1 mg/L in pooled milk from mothers over 15 days postpartum (n = 10).[1]
The creatine concentration in the breastmilk of 3 women was measured. The average concentration was 113 mg/L.[3] Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible effects on lactation
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
References
1. Hulsemann J, Manz F, Wember T, Schoch G. [Administration of creatine and creatinine with breast milk and infant milk preparations]. Klin Padiatr. 1987;199:292-5. PMID: 3657037
2. Wallimann T, Tokarska-Schlattner M, Schlattner U. The creatine kinase system and pleiotropic effects of creatine. Amino Acids. 2011;40:1271-96. PMID: 21448658
3. Peral MJ, Galvez M, Soria ML, Ilundain AA. Developmental decrease in rat small intestinal creatine uptake. Mech Ageing Dev. 2005;126:523-30. PMID: 15722111
Last Revision Date
20130907
Disclaimer:Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
Source: LactMed – National Library of Medicine (NLM)