Creatine For Teenagers – Info & Safety

Is creatine safe for teenagers? The short answer is, maybe. For the long answer, though, read on.Although there is no proof that creatine for teenagers isn’t safe, there also aren’t any studies to say definitively that it is safe. What does this mean for teens longing to build muscles?

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to teens looking to boost their physical performance is steroid use. Creatineis NOT a steroid, it doesn’t act like a steroid and it doesn’t produce the side effects of steroids.So, does that mean creatine for teenagers is OK? Not necessarily. The problem with making this presumption is that while no studies show it is unsafe, there haven’t been any long-term studies done on creatine.Adolescents are in prime growing time through the age of 18, and some even a little older than that. During that time, the general consensus in the medical and athletic communities is that supplements, even natural ones like creatine, aren’t really recommended.

While there are no long-term studies on creatine side effects, there are minor effects in the short-term that users experience, and anyone looking into creatine for teenagers should know about them.General side effects include mostly digestive issues – upset stomache, muscle cramping, diarrhea, dehydration and, for women, increased urination (particularly during their menstrual period).Most of these can be addressed by increasing water intake, minimizing caffeine consumption and adjusting dosages of creatine.

It is true that proper creatine use has been shown to be relatively safe; however, abusing creatine has been shown to have some long-term effects.Creatine abuse – taking excessive amounts and continuing to do so for long periods of time – can lead to a strain on your kidneys and liver. Excess levels of creatine are excreted by the body, and over time the extra work for your organs can lead to serious problems.When evaluating whether creatine is safe for teenagers, the possibility of improper use, intentionally or not, should be strongly considered.

When approaching fitness goals at any age, individuals should give first priority to researching, implementing and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise program. Without this solid foundation, no supplement in the world can help you achieve your goals in a safe and healthy manner.If those foundations are in place, then bodybuilding supplements can help you achieve your goals. However, supplements like creatine are not meant to produce a total body makeover, they just give a little boost. For teens, time spent attending to eating healthy on a regular basis and developing and sticking to a good exercise regimen is far more beneficial than taking a supplement.

If a teen is convinced that creatine is the way to go, here are a few recommendations:

• Carefully read ALL dosage instructions, and err on the side of caution by taking a smaller dose than recommended; and
• Make sure your school athletics department does not prohibit the use of such supplements.

If creatine supplements are something you would like to add to your exercise regimen, check out Slacor Supplements for a wide selection of creatine products and information.