Creatine Supplementation in Children and Adolescents

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Pediatric Nutrition
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Creatine is a widely used ergogenic aid in adult athletes.
• Evidence for creatine's therapeutic benefits is expanding for various clinical conditions in adults and children.
• Adolescent use of creatine is common, but research on its effects in this population is less extensive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the rationale, usage patterns, performance effects, clinical applications, and safety of creatine supplementation in children and adolescents.
• To consolidate current knowledge on creatine for young athletes and pediatric clinical populations.
• To address the knowledge gap regarding creatine's efficacy and safety in adolescents, particularly those engaged in high-intensity training.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing studies on creatine supplementation.
• Analysis of research focusing on ergogenic benefits, clinical applications, and safety profiles.
• Examination of studies involving adolescent athletes and pediatric patient populations.

Main Results:

• Creatine supplementation in adolescent athletes generally leads to improved performance outcomes with no reported adverse events.
• Preliminary evidence suggests therapeutic benefits for neuromuscular and metabolic disorders in pediatric populations.
• The safety and efficacy data from adult studies are largely supported by limited studies in adolescents.

Conclusions:

• Creatine supplementation is a potentially beneficial and safe ergogenic aid for adolescent athletes.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the therapeutic potential of creatine in pediatric clinical populations.
• Understanding creatine's role in adolescent health and performance requires continued investigation.