As we all know, the term “natty” refers to being natural without the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Seeing how creatine does enhance your performance, it’s not a big surprise many people ask – is creatine natty?
Considering everyone has a stance on this question, we thought we’d give a science-based answer and potentially put this debate to rest.
If I Take Creatine Am I Still Considered Natural?
Yes, if you take creatine you are still considered natural.
Creatine is a naturally occurring substance found in food sources like meat and fish, and our bodies also produce it.
“But hey, testosterone is also naturally produced in our bodies, and taking test definitely does not make you natty!”
Sure. A viable argument. Just because something is naturally present in our body doesn’t make it “natty”.
I could get behind that.
Luckily, there are rules and regulations, and according to those rules and regulations, creatine is a legal and widely accepted supplement in athletic competitions. Using it doesn’t disqualify you from being classified as a natural athlete. [1]
So, creatine is natty. You are natty.
Can Creatine Cause You to Fail a Drug Test?
No, creatine will not cause you to fail a drug test.
The drug tests screen for banned substances, such as anabolic steroids, particular stimulants, and other performance-enhancing drugs.
Since creatine is legal and does not offer any substantial performance boost or advantage to the one taking it, it’s not included in the list of banned substances tested in drug screenings.
Is Creatine a Form of Testosterone?
Creatine is not a form of testosterone.
While both are associated with increased strength and muscle mass, they serve different functions in the body.
Testosterone is a hormone responsible for the development of male characteristics and muscle growth. [2]
Creatine, on the other hand, is an organic compound that helps supply energy to cells, particularly muscle cells, during high-intensity activities. [3]
Will Taking Creatine Help Boost Testosterone?
Although both creatine and testosterone can contribute to increased muscle mass and strength, their mechanisms of action are different. So, no, taking creatine does not directly boost testosterone levels. [4]
However, this was believed to be the case for a while. Some still believe it.
The reason for this myth probably came from the fact that creatine may indirectly support testosterone levels by improving overall training capacity and workout performance.
How Much Muscle Gain is Still Considered Natural?
The amount of muscle gain considered natural varies from person to person, depending on factors such as genetics, diet, training regimen, sex, and age.
Hypothetically, if you can somehow manage to gain 60 pounds of muscle over several years without any PEDs, it doesn’t matter how big you are – you’re still natural.
Fairytales aside, on average, a natural lifter can expect to gain around 1-2 pounds of muscle per month in their first year of consistent training.
This rate may (read: will) decrease over time as the lifter becomes more experienced, gains sufficient muscle mass, and muscle gains become harder to achieve.
At one point, you simply hit the peak of how much muscle you can carry on your bones without becoming excessively overweight.
Can You Get Big as a Natural Lifter Taking Creatine?
Yes, you can get big as a natural lifter while taking creatine.
By incorporating creatine into your supplement regimen, along with a balanced diet and consistent training program, you can achieve significant muscle gains as a natural lifter. [5]
If you take a look at natural bodybuilding shows, those guys and gals look like greek gods, and they’re rigorously tested before they step on that stage.
What are Some Best Practices to Get Big as a Natural Lifter?
To get big as a natural lifter, you may want to start with the following:
- Balanced Diet: Consume adequate protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to fuel muscle growth and recovery. If your diet isn’t on point, you can train as much as you want, and it won’t be enough. It all starts with food.
- Consistency: Stick to a well-structured training program and avoid skipping workouts. As with anything in life, if you keep it at – you’ll get good at it.
- Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight, volume, or intensity of your workouts to challenge your muscles and promote growth. This is a surefire way to progress, whether you’re bodybuilding or training for strength.
- Rest and Recovery: We can’t stress enough how much of an impact recovery has on your progress. Ensure you get enough sleep and allow your muscles to recover between workouts. Don’t overtrain.
- Supplement Wisely: Use evidence-based supplements, like creatine and whey protein powder, to support your training and nutrition goals.
Conclusion
While some purists may disagree – creatine is natty.
Taking it is allowed and doesn’t disqualify you from any competition. It won’t help you pack ungodly amounts of muscle in a few weeks or help you run 10% faster to win an Olympic gold.
It’s natty.
Plain and simple.
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