subject: Creatine For Teenagers - Info & Safety [print this page] Is creatine use safe for teens? The abbreviated answer is, maybe. For the detailed response, however, continue reading.
While there is no proof that creatine for teenagers isnt safe, there also arent any studies proving that it is OK. What does that mean for teens hoping to bulk up?
Is Creatine For Teenagers Safe?
One of the most prevalent concerns in regards to teens trying to increase their athletic performance is steroid use. Creatine is in no way similar to a steroid, it doesnt behave like a steroid and it doesnt produce the side effects that steroids do.
Now, is that to say that creatine for teenagers is safe? Not exactly. The issue with trying to figure this out is that while no studies prove creatine for teenagers is detrimental, there also aren't any long-term studies done on creatine supplement use.
Teenagers are in prime growing phases up to 18 years of age, and some even a little longer than that. During that time, it is generally believed in the medical and athletic communities that most supplements, even naturally produced ones such as creatine, should be avoided. The risks are not worth the return.
What Are The Side Effects Of Creatine?
While there have been no extended research studies on creatine side effects, there have been some reported mild effects in the short-term that users experience, and anybody researching creatine for teenagers should be advised.
Common effects are mostly digestive problems - upset stomache, muscle cramping, diarrhea, dehydration and, for women, more frequent urination (usually experienced during menstrual period).
Most of these can be decreased by drinking more water, minimizing caffeine consumption and lowering doses of creatine.
Improper Use Of Creatine
It is true that appropriate creatine consumption has been shown to be relatively safe; however, misusing creatine has been linked to more severe side effects.
Misusing creatine - using extreme dosages and doing so for extended periods of time - can put stress on the liver and kidneys. Extreme amounts of creatine are flushed out by your body, and if forced to do this for long periods of time the added stress for the liver and kidneys could turn into major problems.
When trying to decide whether creatine is safe for teens, the chance of inappropriate use, whether intentional or not, should be carefully considered.
Teens and Health Priorities
Whenever trying to achieve athletic targets at any age, you should give first concern to evaluating, starting and continuing a healthy diet and workout program. Without this sound foundation, no supplement in the world will help you accomplish the desired results in a safe and healthy way.
Once that structure is formed, then bodybuilding supplements will be able to assist you to reach your goals. It is important to know, though, supplements like creatine will not produce a complete makeover of your body, they just offer a little boost. For adolescents, working on eating well regularly and finding and sticking to a personalized workout routine is considerably better than using supplements.
Teenagers Set On Creatine Supplements
If your a teenager is dead set on using creatine supplements, these suggestions are strongly advised:
Carefully review ALL dose information, and take increased safety precautions by using a smaller dosage than suggested; and
Check that your school athletics department does not prohibit using supplements.
