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Ask the Doctor: Creatine and Teenagers
by Eric Serrano, M.D.

April 17, 2000

Dr. Serrano:
I am a 15-year old football player and am working to increase my bodyweight and strength with strength training. I am also interested in trying creatine monohydrate. Does creatine actually work and is it safe for someone my age to use?

Thanks,

Andy

Andy:
Yes, creatine monohydrate is safe for guys and girls your age to use as long as they do not have any health problems that would be worsened by taking supplemental creatine. No one under the age of thirteen should use creatine though, since their muscles are not developed enough yet to get any real benefit. Before you begin using creatine, I would first recommend that you follow a safe and well designed strength training workout for at least one year. You should also inform your parents that you want to use creatine and have your parents educate themselves about the product.

I have listed the guidelines that I recommend below for anyone using creatine, including teenage athletes.

	Stay well hydrated. Drink at least .6-.7 ounces of a water per pound of bodyweight per day when using creatine monohydrate.
	While creatine monohydrate powder works well, effervescent creatine may be even more effective. If you decide to use effervescent creatine, be sure to use the patented formulation which is used by Fortress Systems and Muscle Linc.
	The amount of creatine an athlete should take depends on the type of product. When using effervescent creatine, follow the manufacturers recommendations of one packet (5 grams) per day. When using creatine monohydrate powder, athletes should take 5-15 grams of creatine a day for five days. After the fifth day of using creatine monohydrate, athletes should take 5 grams of creatine monohydrate powder per day for 4-6 weeks.
	Take 4 weeks off from using creatine every 4-6 weeks. During the time you are not using creatine you should still see its benefits because it takes at least 4 weeks for it to clear from your muscles.
	Always take creatine after a workout. Taking creatine before a workout is a potential reason for muscle cramps experienced by athletes using creatine.
	When using creatine, limit usage of pain killers such as Motrin and Advil. Combining these drugs with creatine may increase creatinine levels in the body, a byproduct of creatine metabolism and can possibly cause kidney damage.

In short, if you are interested in using creatine, you should be certain that you have no health problems which may be affected. You should also be over the age of 13. If you meet these qualifications and are willing to closely follow the guidelines above as well as educate yourself about the product, creatine is both safe and effective.

About Dr. Eric Serrano
Dr. Serrano received his medical degree from the University of Kansas and is Board Certified in Family Medicine. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Serrano also provides nutrition counseling to professional and elite level athletes.