Should Your Kids Use Creatine?

Hello Stephanie:
I just started lifting weights to get in shape for several school sports. My health food store clerk recommended that me and my friends start using Creatine to gain muscle faster. So, what's in it and should we give it a try?

Clay Colino
San Francisco Hi Clay--

First of all, know the facts about your sources...some health food store's primary interest is to sell high dollar products that'll keep you coming back for more. So, unless this 'clerk' is a nutritionist or physician, seek your nutrition counseling elsewhere.

The supplement Creatine is a fuel source that resupplies phosphate to Adenosine Tri-Phosphate or (ATP). Athletes who engage in activities requiring sudden short-term increases in muscle activity have shown in some studies a 4% benefit. Theoretically, the more creatine, the more energy for brief high intensity activities like lifting heavy weights -- all studies were conducted in conjunction with an already regimented training program. Although there have been studies to determine if creatine works, almost all of them have tested a small group of subjects with varying standards of what exactly a good response is.

With that said...don't get too wrapped up in the seemingly short-term performance gains, because safety is an issue! There have been reports of kidney troubles with regular use of creatine supplements. The Food and Drug Administration is currently conducting studies to determine side effects of creatine use, as there are no good studies of the long-term effects of creatine use. Also, since creatine is not regulated, different manufacturers have different standards for purity and concentration of each creatine supplement. My personal opinion is, think long term where sports & your health are concerned. You can't stay on the 'stuff' indefinitely so, you’re eventually going to be back face to face with your own level of athleticism. Think of sports as a lifelong endeavor...I know I sound preachy --I'm really not that old...but old enough to know better!

*Please consult with your doctor (and parents) before taking this or any other dietary supplements.

For more information, go to www.fda.gov for studies on creatine.