✔ Evidence-Based. Scientifically Reviewed by Michael Sharpe, MSc and Dr. Michael Tamber, MD.
TL;DR: Creatine nitrate is potentially dangerous. It may increase the risk of cancer due to the formation of nitrosamines, as well as possibly being contaminated with melamine.
Although creatine nitrate has vastly smaller amounts of research than creatine monohydrate has, the creatine will have similar effects. Although, we must consider that creatine nitrate is essentially like supplementing with both nitrate and creatine.
Creatine nitrate administered at 3 grams was well tolerated, showed equivalent benefits to 3 grams creatine monohydrate, and posed no safety issues. (1)
However, there are some potentially serious safety concerns we must look into.
Creatine nitrate may not be safe, it can increase the formation of nitrosamines, potentially increasing the risk of cancer. Many creatine nitrate supplements are also contaminated with melamine, a hormone-disrupting chemical.
Safety Concerns
There are a few safety concerns of creatine nitrate that we need to be aware of.
Creatine nitrate nitrites may form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they react with dietary amines in proteins. (2)
Creatine interacted with nitrites in cells under acidic conditions to produce N-nitrososarcosine (NSAR), another cancer-causing compound. (3)
The possibility that creatine nitrate is tainted with melamine and other hormone-disrupting chemicals. (4)
Natural nitrate sources provide vitamin C and other antioxidants that reduce or inhibit the formation of nitrosamines. When using creatine nitrate supplements, a lack of antioxidants may increase the risk of nitrosamine formation. (2)
Adverse Effects
In terms of adverse effects, there aren't many. Two trials found that taking 1-3 grams of creatine nitrate per day for 28 days was safe and well tolerated.
The following are some of the side effects that have been reported: (7)
Dizziness
Headaches
Increased heart rate
Palpitations
Nervousness
Hazy/blurred vision
Is It Safe?
Overall, creatine and nitrate may be safe if consumed naturally via the diet. However, creatine and nitrate interact to produce nitrososarcosine, which is a cancer causing chemical.
When consumed as a supplement, there is a lack of antioxidants, as well as the possible melamine contamination.
Nitrate can increase the risk of cancer via the formation of nitrosamines. Many supplements are also contaminated with melamine, a hormone-disrupting chemical.
On its own, creatine is perfectly safe, but it seems the combination of creatine and nitrate may be a potentially dangerous one and therefore we recommend avoiding it.
If you decide to take creatine nitrate, consider taking extra antioxidants, such as curcumin.
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