Consumer Reports Investigates Teens and Sports Supplements

YONKERS, N.Y.--In the June issue of Consumer Reports(CR), a three-page article entitled Sports Supplement Dangers highlightsthe use of androstenedione (andro), creatine and ephedra in the vulnerableunder-18 crowd. According to CR, people using these supplements are conductingwhat amounts to a vast, uncontrolled clinical experiment on themselves withuntested, largely unregulated medications. The magazine added that althoughthere are a few good scientific studies on these supplements, the resultsfrom these studies were not substantive enough to warrant the risks involvedwith each supplement.

In an overview of these three supplements, CR supported the crux of itsarticle by citing the 1999 Blue Cross and Blue Shield national survey thatreported six percent of 15- to 16-year-olds and eight percent of 17- and18-year-olds have taken sports supplements, and that the majority of users weremales.

The article pinpointed andro and ephedra as the most dangerous of the threesupplements, stating that andro may increase estrogen levels, possibly leadingto premature puberty and male-pattern baldness. CR has previously testifiedbefore Congress about the dangers of ephedra. Creatine, the magazinenoted, may exacerbate existing kidney problems. However, it cited that eventhough some studies have found the supplement to enhance quick bursts ofstrength, it does not seem to improve endurance.

CR also listed a few products that were specifically targeted to teens,including Los Angeles-based Muscle Marketing USAs Teen Advantage CreatineSerum, which notes: Specifically formulated for teens from ages 11 to 19.The article was skeptical about the research, efficacy and safety behind theproduct, but there was no response from Muscle Marketing. When reached forcomment by The Insider, the companys president, Amir Zeibak, J.D.,stated that this formulation offers only 2.5 grams of creatine per serving anddoes not have a loading phase of 20 g for five days. The larger dose wouldbe unsafe for teens, who want to mimic what adults are doing, according toZeibak. We have so many teens using the powdered creatine, he said. Byoffering our teen formula, this is the safest one out there for teens.

Zeibak added that when Consumer Reports called the company, he toldthe reporter that teens should have professional guidance when choosing asupplement; the comment was not included in the story.

To read the story, visit www.consumerreports.com.For more on Muscle Marketing USA, visit www.mmusa.com.