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Creatine is a dietary supplement frequently used by athletes who believe it will help "bulk up" their muscles and improve performance. Not much is known about the side effects of creatine in the adolescent athlete at this time. What we do know about the bad effects of creatine are the following:
It is not regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), which means there is no control over the purity or quality of what you are buying.
It causes water retention and weight gain, which could slow down performance in athletes participating in aerobic sports such as swimming, cycling, running, etc.
Because of swelling from water retention, there may be a higher risk of injury to muscles and tendons leading to sprains.
Creatine has a plateau effect, which means that after a certain dose it is excreted in the kidneys and wasted.
Creatine supplementation may be bad for the kidneys, especially in people at risk of having kidney disease.
Creatine has to be combined with controlled exercise to achieve the results desired.
There are reports of other side effects of creatine including dizziness, abnormal heart rhythm, rash and migraine headaches.
If you eat a balanced diet with meat and fish, your body has enough creatine so that you do not need supplementation. As with most dietary supplements more is not necessarily better, and most of these supplements are supplied in an adequate and useful amount in our normal diet.
You're not alone. Take a look at a few of the questions related to this topic that other teens have asked us.
What are the effects of L-carnitine on the body?
Is it helpful to take protein and vitamins before working out?
I want to bulk up. Can I take supplements to do so?
Posted 1-30-02
Do you have a question?  As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Please read our full  .
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