[Bigwill]

What I really don't understand is the conflict between creatine theoretically causing cell volumizing and holding more fluid in the muscle, yet also apparently being a factor in dehydration and cramping. How can it do both?

The dehydration is likely an effect of the muscles infused with the extra creatine pulling water from the more vital body systems (cardiovascular, digestive) into the muscles. That's why you would end up needing to drink more water than you did before creatine supplementation. I'm not sure about the cramping; maybe the extra water is diluting the electrolyte concetration in the muscle. Any thoughts?