AAP News Vol. 14 No. 7 July 1998, p. 13
© 1998 American Academy of Pediatrics
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Creatine questioned as muscle builder performance enhancer

Steven J. Anderson M.D., FAAP

Pediatricians may find themselves in the position of giving patients advice on the use of creatine when their own knowledge and comfort level may be low. Creatine is being promoted heavily to children and adolescents as a "safe and effective" means to gain muscle size, strength and enhance performance in sports. The widespread use of creatine by college and professional athletes has been highly publicized, and the product is being touted as a safe, legal alternative to anabolic steroids.

The supplement can be readily ob-consent or prohibitive cost. Creatine monohydrate is a synthetic product in powder form that typically is taken orally in doses ranging from 5 to 20 grams/day. Creatine not retained by the tissue is excreted by the kidneys, degraded to creatinine and eliminated in the urine.