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Related Experiment Videos

Creatine and other nonsteroidal strength-enhancing aids.

Amy Miller Bohn1, Stephanie Betts, Thomas L Schwenk

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, L2003 Womens, Box 0239, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.

Current Sports Medicine Reports
|July 2, 2003
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Nonsteroidal ergogenic supplements like creatine and HMB are popular for strength enhancement but carry risks. Current evidence does not support their general recommendation for athletes due to potential adverse effects and lack of proven effectiveness in real-world use.

Area of Science:

  • Sports Science and Nutrition
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Supplement Research

Background:

  • Anabolic steroids are commonly discussed for strength enhancement.
  • Nonsteroidal ergogenic supplements, including creatine, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), chromium, human growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor, are popular alternatives.
  • These supplements are often perceived as natural and safe, with some not banned by sports organizations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the purported benefits and actual effectiveness of nonsteroidal ergogenic supplements for strength enhancement.
  • To assess the safety and potential adverse effects associated with these popular supplements.
  • To evaluate the current scientific data supporting their use in athletic performance.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Literature review of studies on nonsteroidal ergogenic supplements.
  • Analysis of theoretical benefits and empirical data on efficacy.
  • Consideration of safety profiles and adverse event reports.

    • Main Results:

    • Several nonsteroidal supplements (creatine, HMB, chromium, IGF) have theoretical benefits and some supporting data for athletic improvement under controlled conditions.
    • These agents are popular, accessible, and sometimes undetectable, but carry significant potential for adverse effects.
    • Human growth hormone is officially banned; data supporting effectiveness in unmonitored use is limited for most agents.

    Conclusions:

    • Despite theoretical potential and popularity, nonsteroidal ergogenic supplements present risks and lack sufficient evidence for general recommendation in athletic populations.
    • Further research is needed to establish effectiveness and safety in real-world, unmonitored athletic use.
    • At present, none of these nonsteroidal agents can be broadly recommended for enhancing athletic strength.