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Performance-enhancing supplements.
1Department of Family Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts, USA.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America
|November 25, 2000
Summary
Ergogenic aids like creatine and androstenedione are popular but lack sufficient evidence for widespread use. More research is needed to confirm benefits and ensure safety, especially for adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Human Performance
Background:
- Ergogenic aids are widely used by athletes and the general public seeking performance or aesthetic enhancement.
- Consumers often assume efficacy and safety based on product availability, which is frequently not supported by scientific data.
- Popular ergogenic aids include creatine and androstenedione, with growing interest despite limited conclusive evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the scientific evidence supporting the ergogenic claims of popular supplements.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of creatine and androstenedione.
- To inform consumers and athletes about the current state of research on these supplements.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on creatine and androstenedione.
- Analysis of studies examining ergogenic effects in laboratory and athletic settings.
- Assessment of reported side effects and safety data, particularly for adolescent populations.
Main Results:
- Creatine shows some ergogenic benefits in laboratory settings, but transferability to athletic performance is uncertain. Long-term kidney effects and safety in adolescents require further investigation.
- Androstenedione, at recommended doses, has not demonstrated measurable changes in testosterone levels or ergogenic benefits in novice weightlifters.
- Potential side effects of androstenedione, similar to anabolic steroids, are a concern, though not yet fully determined.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence for creatine suggests potential benefits but necessitates more research on real-world application and long-term safety, especially for young individuals.
- Androstenedione lacks sufficient evidence for ergogenic benefits and carries potential risks that warrant further investigation before widespread recommendation.
- Consumers should exercise caution with ergogenic aids, relying on robust scientific data rather than marketing claims, particularly concerning safety and efficacy.