I was looking for a good substitute for creatine...if there even is one. I know protein is always good, but is there something else I can throw into the mix that will simulate the effects of Creatine?

(I can't take creatine because I am a type II diabetic)

Red meat? ^_^

Creatine is creatine. it can be found in red meats but its still creatine.
there is no substitute.

I didnt know that type IIs couldnt take creatine, is that a well known fact or did you hear it from somone?

I guess you could say I heard it from someone...I called my doctor and was given an emphatic no. I guess, becuase the excess cretinine can build up in your kidneys, and as a type II, I guess I am more prone to kidney failure. Generally, I find kidney failure to be bad...I am allergic to dialysis.

I knew it was in red meat, but there are, of course, limitations with that...it's not like you can just chomp a steak during a workout...heck even after a workout. Plus, while chocked full of good things, it's my understanding that lots of red meat isn't the best for you, and being a type II, I have to really control my amounts so my blood sugar doesn't skyrocket, so I question if that would really be an adequate substitution. I mean how MUCH red meat would one have to eat and how often?


stupid low-insulin producing body of mine...

Doctors are rarely educated on updated research concerning creatine. If you are young, healthy, and eat well--you are in no danger of kidney failure from creatine use. Besides, if you cycle creatine every 3 weeks (like you should), you will reap gains and "reset" yuor system.

The "fear" tactic works in fitness too...

John - Good to have you back at fitness.com.

First, it sucks you have diabeties. however, your doctor is being a little too cautious. Creatine doesn't build up in the kidneys. its the degraded creatinine that builds up, and indeed if you have existing kidney problems, then the added creatinine is gonna make things worse.

that said, creatine supplementation isn't necessary. its just a supplement. you could probably take 3g a day (less than a level teaspoon) once a day and see the positive effects.

you'd only end up with creatinine if you took tons...like a loading phase of 5g, 4 times a day, for 5-7 days.

Also, creatine isn't a fast acting supplement, which is why consuming plenty of LEAN red meat would be a viable way to maintain good normal creatine levels, vs supplementing to achieve creatine saturation.

Forgive me for hijacking the thread, but I'm new to the creatine scene. What do you mean by "cycling" creatine? Thanks!

^^Taking creatine for a period of time, then stopping. Then repeating the process to not allow your body to get accustomed to it. Some do it, some don't - there is research on both sides of the spectrum..