Is Creatine Safe for Teens? The Risks & Rewards Of Supplementation

Among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, creatine has long reigned as the most popular and widely used supplement. Due to its ability to enhance muscle strength, power, and overall exercise performance, creatine has gained significant attention. Despite its growing popularity, however, concerns have emerged about the safety of creatine use, particularly among adolescents.

With teenagers increasingly seeking methods to optimize their athletic potential and physique, it becomes crucial to address the question: Is creatine safe for teens? As the adolescent stage is a critical period of growth and development, the potential risks and benefits associated with creatine supplementation demand careful examination.

This article delves into the contentious topic, offering a comprehensive analysis of the safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation among teenagers. By exploring the existing scientific literature, considering expert opinions, and assessing anecdotal evidence, we aim to provide parents, coaches, and young athletes with a well-rounded understanding of the potential implications of creatine supplementation on adolescent health.

It is essential to acknowledge that, despite the existing body of research, opinions on creatine’s safety for teens remain divided. While some health professionals and organizations assert that the potential dangers have not been adequately studied, others contend that, when used responsibly and under appropriate guidance, creatine may offer physical advantages without significant risks. 

I want to emphasize that this article isn’t intended to replace professional medical advice. Teenagers whose bodies are still developing should always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any supplementation regimen.

Is Creatine Safe For Teens?

Although creatine use by adults has been reported to be generally safe for short-term use, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that only a few studies have examined creatine usage by teens over the long term and therefore, specifically recommends against the use of creatine in adolescents.

In adult athletes, creatine is not only considered safe but also beneficial, but experts agree that too little is known about the long-term health effects to conclude that it is safe for developing adolescents.

There is some research that shows that long-term use could harm the kidneys. Other possible side effects of this performance-enhancing supplement include dehydration, stomach pains, and muscle cramps. However, these are usually due to incorrect dosage or not drinking enough water.

It is worth mentioning that product labels stating that creatine should not be taken by anyone under 18 are not scientifically-based and are provided more as a legal precaution. 

Supplementation of creatine in teens is extremely popular as a way to gain a competitive edge. One study found that creatine use is as high as 34.1% in children and adolescents.

Since so many teen athletes are already using this popular supplement, let’s find out more about how creatine works as well as the pros and cons of creatine use.

What Does Creatine Do?

Creatine is an organic compound found naturally in the human body, with 95% of it located in the skeletal muscle. Its presence in the body is essential for optimal energy production during physical activity.

Creatine can also be found in a healthy diet through the consumption of animal products such as milk, seafood, and red meat. These foods are all excellent sources of creatine and are recommended to be part of a balanced diet. In addition to its presence in the body, it can also be supplemented through the use of creatine powder, which can be added to drinks and shakes.

Creatine is an amino acid that helps your muscles create energy during intense workouts. Creatine occurs naturally in muscle cells and helps produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the most basic form of energy in cells. ATP levels usually decrease during physical activity.

A creatine supplement increases your body’s stores of creatine (stored as phosphocreatine in your body) and replenishes ATP resulting in increased stamina and energy during workouts.

Creatine is thought to improve strength and increase lean muscle mass by helping muscles to recover more quickly during exercise.

Creatine is often used by athletes that engage in short bursts of high-intensity activity, like soccer players, weightlifting, weight training, bodybuilding, athletics, or sprinting.

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Creatine Effects on Teenagers

Many teenagers use creatine but very little research has been done to examine the safety and effectiveness of creatine supplementation for high school athletes.

Below we highlight some of the pros and cons of supplementing creatine in school boys.

Benefits Of Creatine For Teen Athletes

Teenage athletes are usually under immense pressure to perform and supplements provide an excellent way to increase exercise stamina and strength.

Below are some of the main benefits of creatine supplementation for teen athletes:

1. Creatine Increases Muscle Mass In Teen Athletes

Creatine is the ideal supplement to enhance body composition by increasing body weight and gaining muscle.

Initially, creatine supplementation draws water into the muscles which can lead to some water retention.

However, creatine concentrations in muscles increase with continued workouts, eventually leading to increased lean muscle mass.

2. Creatine Leads To An Increase In Performance And Muscle Strength

Creatine optimizes physical performance by promoting endurance, strength, and overall athletic performance.

Studies have shown an increase in peak muscle output power in under 18s.

Teens often consider increased strength as the greatest benefit of creatine supplementation.

As a result, many sports organizations advocate the use of creatine supplements to support lean body mass and anaerobic performance.

3. Creatine Promotes Quick Post-Workout Recovery In Teens

Teen athletes usually engage in intense training routines.

So many teenagers turn to creatine to help speed up recovery after working out.

Creatine supplementation helps in injury prevention and aids in recovery from muscle soreness post-workout.

4. Creatine Helps Treat Specific Pediatric Disorders

Creatine has the potential to treat traumatic brain injury and muscular dystrophy.

Studies show the use of creatine amongst teenagers may go a long way in protecting brain health before a concussion.

Furthermore, the use of creatine supplements could significantly reduce symptoms associated with trauma.

Dangers Of Creatine For Teen Athletes

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Sports Medicine agree that teen athletes should not use performance-enhancement supplements.

The majority of research has been done in adult populations, the long-term effects of creatine use amongst teens are unknown.

You should be aware that creatine can have harmful effects if it is not taken or loaded correctly or if your teen athlete’s health is compromised and has issues, especially with their liver or kidneys.

1. Kidney Damage

Taking too many supplements can cause the kidneys to overwork, thereby possibly causing kidney damage.

2. Stomach Upset

The most commonly reported side effects of creatine supplementation are stomach upsets like nausea, muscle cramping, and diarrhea.

3. Weight gain

Some people noted acute weight gain. This is mainly due to water retention which is often seen temporarily in the early stages of supplementation.

4. Dehydration

Creatine draws water into your muscle cells leading to dehydration being one of the possible side effects if you don’t drink enough water.

Other side effects of may include:

• Liver problems
• Seizures

Negative symptoms are likely to be exacerbated by high doses.

Note that one of the biggest concerns about teenagers taking creatine is the lack of regulation around many supplements, including creatine. Therefore, anyone who plans to consume creatine should always buy from reputable brands and suppliers.

Some studies have found organic contaminants and heavy metals in creatine dietary supplements.

NSF certification provides a guarantee that a creatine brand and product has been tested by a trusted independent organization and will be free from harmful contaminants and banned substances.

Below is a popular NSF certified creatine supplement:

Thorne Creatine Powder

Find a high-quality creatine supplement by looking for a “Certificate of Analysis” that shows the following:

• Appearance – should be white to pale cream
• Assay – should be at least 95% via HPLC or HPCE
• Moisture content – should be less than or equal to 12.5%
• Microbial/pathogenic contamination – should be negative for E coli, S aureus, and Salmonella
• Yeasts and moulds – should be less than 50 per gram
• Poisons/heavy metals – should be less than 10ppm for lead and mercury
• Other contaminants – should be less than 3ppm for arsenic, 30ppm for dicyandiamide and non-detectable for dihydrotriazine.

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Watch this video which gives great insight to whether creatine is safe for teens:

 

How To Take Creatine

There are two ways to supplement with creatine.

1. Creatine Loading

“Creatine loading” involves taking a loading dose of 5 grams four times per day for 5–7 days (total of 20g per day).

The theory is that the loading phase will fill the muscle cells with creatine faster helping you to experience benefits sooner.

2. Low-Dose Daily Supplementation

You can take 3–5 grams per day without a loading phase.

After 3 weeks, your muscles will reach the same level of creatine saturation as the loading protocol.

3. Maintenance Protocol

During the maintenance phase (after loading), you can take 3–5 grams per day to maintain creatine levels in your muscle cells.

Creatine Supplementation Tips

Always drink creatine with an 8oz (240mL) glass of water (or juice).

Creatine users should continue to stay well hydrated throughout the day because creatine draws water into your muscle cells (dehydration is one of the possible side effects if you don’t drink enough water.)

If you’re supplementing with creatine then you should ideally drink 4-5 liters (roughly 1 gallon) of water per day.

A good rule to remember is that if you’re thirsty, then you should drink water!

If you experience any bloating or stomach distress during the loading phase then immediately proceed to low-dose daily supplementation.

1. How Much Creatine Should I Take?

You can take 3-5 grams of creatine monohydrate per day. To build muscle, take 20 g of creatine per day for 5-7 days, followed by a 3-5 gram dose daily after that. Taking too much creatine at one time can result in stomach discomfort and bloating, plus it’s a waste of money.

2. How Much Is 5g Of Creatine?

5g of creatine in its powder form is equivalent to 1.4 of a teaspoon (or 1 heaped teaspoon).

If there isn’t a measured scoop included in your tub of creatine, then a kitchen teaspoon will be your best option.

Here is a video that shows how to measure 3 and 5 grams of creatine using a teaspoon:

As you can see getting 5 grams exactly correct with a teaspoon is not that easy.

So it’s probably best that you invest in an electronic kitchen scale to get this right every time.

Food Kitchen Scale

3. How Long Does It Take For Creatine To Work?

Creatine will work in one week or less if a loading protocol of taking 20 grams of creatine daily for 5–7 days is followed. Low dose supplementation of 3–5 grams per day will take 3-4 weeks to see the effects of increased energy and stamina.

4. How Long Does Creatine Last?

Once you stop using creatine, 46% of ingested creatine is excreted within 24 hours. Creatine levels in muscle tissue drop off gradually over a 4 week period, returning your body and energy production to the baseline levels.

5. How Long Should You Take Creatine?

Clinical studies have shown it safe to use up to 30 grams of creatine per day for five years with no harmful side effects. No studies have been conducted past a five-year window, however, creatine has been widely used by thousands of athletes with hundreds of published studies.

Use Of Creatine In Teens – Related Questions

1. How Old Do You Have To Be To Buy Creatine?

You can buy creatine at any age. Anyone, including adolescent athletes, can purchase creatine without a parent’s consent or knowledge. Creatine is not regulated by the FDA because it is considered a nutritional supplement. As a result, questions can arise about the ingredient purity of creatine products and if they’re present in the amounts claimed on the packaging.

2. Do you Need An ID To Buy Creatine?

You don’t need an ID to buy creatine at most health food stores and supplement stores. Some stores, like Walmart, might require an ID for certain items like creatine. Walmart policy requires ID on several items such as creatine to avoid lawsuits.

3. Is Creatine Legal for High School Athletes?

The use of creatine is legal but controversial for high school athletes. Experts agree that too little is known about the long-term health effects of creatine to conclude that it is safe for developing teen athletes. Creatine powder is on the discouraged list of supplements for teenagers.

Whey protein might be a good and fairly safe alternative for teenage athletes.

4. Can Creatine Stunt Growth?

No, creatine does not stunt growth. In fact, creatine supports growth by helping to strengthen and repair muscles. Creatine can increase both short- and long-term muscle growth and muscle size. Creatine occurs naturally in food sources like red meat, fish, and poultry.

5. Does Creatine Cause Acne?

Creatine does not directly cause acne. Teenagers prone to hormone-driven acne may see breakouts more often when taking creatine. People who take creatine supplements typically work out harder and longer, and the increased sweat and oil levels can result in an acne breakout.

The majority of studies show that creatine has no effect on DHT and testosterone levels that can lead to increased oil production, clogged pores, and acne.

One study of male college-aged rugby players found that creatine can increase DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels by up to 56%. High DHT leads to high levels of androgens, which can increase oil production and clog pores that cause acne in men.

It is important to note that creatine is also commonly found in lotions and facial creams to assist with skin cell repair. As a result, wrinkles and fine lines are reduced, thereby fighting the effects of aging.

6. Can Creatine Make You Angry?

Creatine does not make you angry. There is no direct causal link that shows creatine causes mood swings, anger problems, or increased aggression.

The majority of studies show that creatine has no effect on testosterone levels that can lead to anger issues and aggression.

However, one study noted that two subjects reported feeling more aggressive and nervous after 1 week of creatine supplementation (25 g/day).

7. Does Creatine Cause Anxiety?

Two studies showed negative changes in mood or anxiety following supplementation with creatine. Another study suggests that daily creatine intake may positively influence mood. As a result, creatine supplementation is actively being explored for the treatment of depression in combination with antidepressant therapy. Creatine supplements have been beneficial in treating resistant PTSD patients by improving sleep quality and relieving symptoms.

8. Does Creatine Change Your Face?

Creatine supplements can lead to water retention that may cause the face to become puffy and bloated. This side effect is typically seen in people who regularly take high doses of creatine or do not drink enough water while taking creatine supplements on a daily basis.

The more water you drink, the less water weight your body will hold and the less bloated you’ll appear.

Another, less common reason that creatine can change your face is through Anaphylaxis.

So what is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that causes your mouth, lips, tongue, and face to swell after consuming creatine supplements. Common symptoms of an anaphylaxis reaction include:

• Skin rash
• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Anxiety
• Abdominal pains
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased heart rate

Severe swelling may cause an increase in pressure around your heart and closing of your throat.

How to Treat Anaphylaxis

In case of an anaphylaxis reaction, call 911 immediately. If necessary, insert a breathing tube to help you breathe. Receiving a shot of epinephrine will reduce the adverse effects rapidly. Medics can also administer corticosteroids and antihistamines to prevent further allergic reactions.

9. Can Creatine Cause Brain Damage?

No, creatine cannot cause brain damage. Rather than cause damage, creatine reduces structural damage to brain cells.

Experimental studies have shown that creatine protects the brain from ischemic injury (lack of oxygen) by preventing ATP (energy) depletion.

A study showed that creatine supplementation had a significant positive effect on both working memory, intelligence, and cognitive performance.

Another study showed that creatine supplementation shows promise for increasing resilience to and treating traumatic brain injury.

Why Do I Feel Weird After Taking Creatine?

There are several reasons why you may be feeling weird after taking creatine. These include:

1. Excessive Consumption of Creatine

Excessive creatine consumption affects the gastrointestinal tract which can lead to stomach upset.

If you’re feeling sick during a loading phase of 20g of creatine per day then you can:

• Split the dose into 2-4 servings per day
• Move directly to a maintenance dose of 3-5g per day
• Stop completely, allow your body to recover, then test a maintenance dose

2. Mixing Creatine With Sugars

Mixing creatine with energy drinks will cause an insulin spike that can make you feel sick.

Research has shown that consuming carbohydrates with creatine can lead to increased creatine retention.

However, you don’t need sugar to increase creatine absorption, consuming creatine with a slow-release carb and some fat (brown bread & peanut butter) will work just as well.

3. Not Drinking Enough Water

When you use creatine supplements you’ll be able to push your body harder during high-intensity exercise sessions.

Increased intensity will lead to more sweating and water loss, possibly resulting in dehydration.

Dehydration can make you feel sick or lightheaded, so make sure you drink enough water throughout the day and during workout sessions.

4. Other Medications Could Be An Issue

Although creatine is deemed safe for healthy adults to use, some believe that creatine can have dangerous side effects, including kidney and liver damage.

If you are already taking any other medication that may be placing added pressure on your kidneys or liver, then it’s best that you consult your doctor before opting to use creatine.

5. Experiencing Electrolyte Imbalance

If you experience a decline in kidney function due to creatine intake then this may result in electrolyte imbalance, leaving you feeling sick.

If you have an underlying medical condition that affects your renal system you may be at risk of harming yourself.

Remember to consult your doctor before deciding if creatine is safe for you to use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creatine is recognized as an effective supplement for enhancing exercise capacity and performance in individuals, including teenagers. However, the safety of creatine supplementation for teens requires careful consideration.

Understanding the natural levels of creatine in the body and the potential cognitive benefits associated with its supplementation is crucial. It is important to note that individuals with pre-existing health conditions should exercise caution and consult with healthcare professionals before incorporating creatine into their regimen.

By adhering to recommended dosages and following proper guidelines, teenagers can maximize the efficacy of creatine use while minimizing potential risks. 

Ultimately, the decision to use creatine should be made on an individual basis, taking into account the teenager’s overall health, specific health conditions, and sporting objectives. With responsible and informed decision-making, teenagers can potentially benefit from creatine monohydrate supplementation while prioritizing their safety and well-being.

As research continues to advance, it is important for individuals to stay informed about the latest findings and consult with healthcare professionals to make well-informed decisions regarding the use of creatine to enhance exercise capacity and performance among teenage athletes.