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Teens & Creatine: Performance or Peril?
8 Dec
Summary
- Many young athletes, up to 72%, use creatine for performance.
- Creatine offers cognitive benefits beyond muscle growth.
- Focus on diet, sleep, and exercise is crucial for young people.
Creatine, a popular supplement for boosting strength and muscle growth, is seeing increased use among teenagers and young adults. Surveys indicate a significant percentage of young male athletes use it, seeking enhanced athletic performance. Despite its widespread use and general safety profile for this demographic, experts caution that creatine is not a substitute for foundational health habits.
Advisably, young individuals should prioritize consistent exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep to achieve their fitness goals. While creatine can aid muscle creatine stores and potentially support performance, it does not replace the benefits derived from proper training and nutrition alone. Emerging research also hints at cognitive advantages, such as improved memory and attention.
Most sports nutritionists advocate a food-first approach, emphasizing optimal diet quality before considering supplements. While creatine supplementation is generally safe and effective for adults, even showing promise for older adults in preventing muscle loss and neurological disorders, its use among youth requires careful consideration and education on proper dosing to avoid potential adverse effects.
