The claimEvidence C · limited
Creatine makes your hair fall out
The evidence
It rests on one small study where DHT rose within the normal range; the only trial measuring hair found no change.
Why the claim spreads
It comes with a reasoning chain that sounds airtight: in one small study creatine raised DHT, and DHT is exactly the molecule that thins susceptible hair follicles. The first link has a little data, so the later links get taken for granted.
The mechanism, in brief
Creatine holds an unusual place among supplements: it does not really behave like one.
Sources (3)
- Kreider, R. B., et al. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14, 18.
- Antonio, J., et al. (2021). Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show? Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18, 13.
- Candow, D. G., et al. (2019). Effectiveness of creatine supplementation on aging muscle and bone: focus on falls prevention and inflammation. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(4), 488.