The Center for Youth Studies is pleased to have the following article review offered by a high school student. We believe that insight from young people themselves is important for today’s youth workers.

Creatine is considered the natural and safe substitute for steroids even though not much is known about its side-effects. Creatine is growing in popularity with high school and collegiate athletes and with teenagers who just want to bulk-up. There is a mixed reaction among trainers and coaches regarding creatine; some encourage their players to take it, even leaving tubs of it in the locker room. Others are opposed to players taking it, because its negative effects are still unknown. The FDA doesn’t regulate it, because as a dietary supplement it is neither a food nor a drug. Many studies show that creatine increases strength and poses only minor, short-term health risks like cramping dehydration, diarrhea, and dizziness. Still, to date, no studies have indicated the effects of creatine on the heart, kidneys, or the liver, or how it might affect fertility. The most significant result of creatine use is weight gain; this is helpful for many football, baseball, and hockey players, yet it hampers many wrestlers and boxers who must maintain a certain weight. Professional athletes like Troy Aikman, Brady Anderson, and John Elway enthusiastically recommend creatine, appearing in advertisements crediting creatine for their success as athletes. The creatine industry emerged in 1992, and has become a $100 million dollar industry boosted by celebrity endorsements—the industry is predicted to double within the next year.

1. Do you believe creatine has any long-term health effects? Explain.
2. Would you recommend creatine to the public? Why or why not?
3. Are you someone that would take creatine?
4. What would you advise a young person using or considering using creatine?
5. How is using this substance different than using additives and preservatives in food?

Everyone has a different opinion on creatine. Many encourage its use as a safe substitute for steroids, others discourage its use, because not much is known about it. It is important for young people and their parents to research the substance, and discuss its effects with health professionals.

IMPLICATION

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

McCarthy, D. (1998). Use of Creatine in Athletics. S. Hamilton, MA: Center for Youth Studies.