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Creatine

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Other names:

Also known as Animal Max, ATP Advantage, Cell-Tech, Crea-tek, LifeSmart’s Creatine Chew, Power Creatine, Teen Advantage Creatine Serum, Xtra Advantage.

What it is supposed to do:

Improve athletic performance.

How it is supposed to work:

Creatine is an amino acid made by the liver, kidneys and pancreas, and occurs naturally in meat and fish.  It is stored in the muscles.  Creatine allows for decreased rest time between activities and increased energy for repeated bouts of exercise as well as delaying muscle fatigue and soreness.

Toxic effects:

Rapid weight gain (1-4 lbs) from retained water
Kidney failure in healthy users and worsening of existing kidney problems,
Muscle cramping, diarrhea, nausea, dehydration, headache, dizziness.
 

Does it work?

Creatine does increase endurance time in short-term sprint performances such as high jumping and weight lifting. However, it does not affect endurance for long-distance events. May worsen performance in some sports (e.g. swimming) because of water retention and weight gain.

Other information:

Not banned by any major sports governing body, but the American College of Sports Medicine does not recommend its use.

References:
  1. Koch, JJ. Performance-enhancing substances and their use among adolescent athletes. Pediatrics in Review. September 2002;23(9):310-7.
     
  2. Greydanus, DE and Patel, DR. Sports doping in the adolescent athlete: The hope, hype and hyperbole. Pediatric Clinics of North America. August 2002; 49(4):829-55.
     
  3. Congeni, J and Miller, S. Supplements and drugs used to enhance athletic performance. Pediatric Clinics of North America. April 2002; 49(2):435-61.
     
  4. Ahrendt, DM. Ergogenic aids: counseling the athlete. American Family Physician. March 2001;63(5):913-22.
     
  5. Metzl,JD et al. Creatine use among young athletes. Pediatrics. August 2001;108(2):421-5.
 

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Last modified: February 25, 2004