I found the same information you posted when I investigated this too. However, I m going to begin taking it for restoration of lost muscle mass. This was a result of extreme fatigue that created a lengthy phase of inactivity post 2nd COVID. Muscle loss is very serious for an older person. The water retention another post mentioned from creatine is a temporary effect of this chemical for muscle development when used in conjunction with resistance and weights exercises. It's an aspect of the muscle building process and is in the developing muscle and not generalized edema. I chose a product from Amazon, also for sale online via Walmart, that's a bulk 100% single pure non-capsulated product so I can titrate my dose easily. I hope to also get cellular-based energy from it, but that's not my primary purpose for this. It'swonderful to have options we are free to use for self care which don't require direct medical prescription. However, I've submitted requests to my insurance company for coverage of my extensive nutritional supplements because THEY HAVE IMPROVED 75% of my SYMPTOMS OF PASC (long COVID) with medical evidence of such. I've been informed they are considering my request. They gave me a route to pursue this. My Dr has supported this by a prescription. I spend approx $200/month on supplements but can't afford all that benefits me at one time. I'm not financially secure at this point. But I need creatine now, and in loose bulk it's not too expensive. I'll give up something else for this and see what results I get until I get potential insurance reimbursement. The cost-benefit for me to take this and use light weights for muscle building is extreme. One fall, or the loss of an ability to perform even one essential activity of daily living would result in a downhill vortex of significant medical expenses for the insurance company. There is an incentive for insurers to pay for non-covered items in new situations is they have evidence of efficacy.
I'll be reading and posting here. There is always hope, but we don't always feel that way with chronic or misunderstood illnesses. Our inner spirits keep us seeking + trying. We keep finding. That's the beauty of America and other nations which allows the freedom to reach out for available options.