Quote (Canadian_Man @ Sep 17 2011 03:56am)
I've been reading up on creatine and caffeine, and I'm very confused as I can't find conclusive answers. It seems the top google hits all refer to one blind study which was done on a very small number of men.
What I'm hearing is that basically any caffeine consumption will negate the effects of creatine in the body.
Here's where I'm confused (I have a few direct questions):
- Why is it that my creatine says "Take separately from products containing caffeine". I have mixed it with my preworkout supplement before, so I don't know what effect this has. I am also confused as to why a preworkout supplement would have creatine in it to begin with if this is the case.
- Does caffeine actually dehydrate you? Wouldn't that make preworkout supplements negative for strength? What I am hearing is it raises your blood pressure. For me, I have low blood pressure, so I'm thinking maybe it's good that I even it out that way during a workout?
- My beta-alanine says not to mix with other products which contain beta-alanine. I would assume this is to avoid consuming too much and experiencing an adverse side-effect (namely extreme skin tingling). But would you say it's fine to mix beta-alanine with a preworkout drink?
I wish things were simple so that I could take all this stuff in one drink before my workout.
1. Caffeine and creatine should be spread out by at least 2 hours. I like to take caffeine pre workout (usually about 30 mins before) and I have some creatine PWO (about 2.5 hrs later).
2. Caffeine does dehyrate you to a certain extent, but its nothing serious. The increased energy and focus at the gym are much more important - caffeine really does help. Caffeine if you have low blood pressure is excellent.
3. Beta A should be taken by itself to avoid too much at once - yes this is correct - although taking too much at once is very rare.