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Creatine use among young athletes.

J D Metzl1, E Small, S R Levine

  • 1Sports Medicine Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, Department of Pediatrics, Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10021, USA. MetzlJ@HSS.EDU

Pediatrics
|August 3, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Despite recommendations against use in those under 18, creatine supplementation is prevalent among middle and high school athletes. This study highlights its use, risk factors, and demographics in young athletes, urging caution until safety is established.

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Area of Science:

  • Sports Medicine
  • Pediatric Health
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Creatine is a popular nutritional supplement for adults, often used as an ergogenic aid.
  • Limited data exists on creatine use and its potential health risks in children and adolescents.
  • Despite recommendations against use in individuals under 18, anecdotal evidence suggests widespread use among young athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency, risk factors, and demographics of creatine use among middle and high school student athletes.
  • To assess the prevalence of creatine supplementation in a young athletic population.

Main Methods:

  • A confidential survey was administered to middle and high school athletes aged 10-18 before their sports physical examinations.
  • Data collected included school grade, gender, sport participation, and creatine usage.

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  • The study was conducted in Westchester County, a suburban area north of New York City.

    • Main Results:

    • Overall, 5.6% of participants (62 out of 1103) reported using creatine, with usage present in all grades (6-12).
    • Creatine use was significantly higher in boys (8.8%) compared to girls (1.8%) and was most common in 12th graders (44%).
    • Use was significantly more prevalent in football, wrestling, hockey, gymnastics, and lacrosse players, with primary motivations being enhanced performance and improved appearance.

    Conclusions:

    • Creatine is used by middle and high school athletes across all grade levels, contrary to current recommendations against its use in individuals under 18.
    • The prevalence of creatine use in 11th and 12th graders approaches that seen in collegiate athletes.
    • The study recommends discouraging creatine use in adolescents until its safety in this population is definitively established.