Creatine Use Rises In Kids Under 18

Creatine Use Rises In Kids Under 18

NEW YORK--According to a survey conducted in suburban New York, creatine use is on therise in students 12 years and older. The survey, presented in mid-May at the combinedmeeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies and the American Academy of Pediatrics,consisted of more than 1,100 students filling out a questionnaire. Sixty-two studentsadmitted to using creatine, with twelfth graders making up the bulk of users. This isconsistent with reports that the supplement's popularity increases in proportion to age.

Dr. Jordan Metzl, who presented the study, found that creatine can cause waterretention and cramping and that there were at least two known cases of kidney failure inkids taking the supplement. However, it has been questioned how creatine can both retainwater and cause muscle cramps--an effect associated with dehydration. "Theseassumptions have been garnered by the popular press," said Conrad Earnest, vicepresident of human sciences at ImagiNutrition. "[These researchers] are trying toargue science with testimonials."

Based on responses from the survey, students felt that taking the supplement wouldimprove athletic performance. Earnest believes that any adverse effects linked to creatinemay be caused by taking more than the recommended five grams per day, as well as a lack ofcommunication between parents, coaches and children. For additional information, contactMetzl at (212) 606-1005 or Earnest at (972) 385-0526.