Creatine Supplementation in Youth

Research Overview: Children & Adolescents (Ages 0–19)

Usage Statistics

• 5–16% — General high school population

• Up to 36% — Elite international athletes

• Late 1990s — Usage started

• Males: 3–10× higher usage rate

• Females: Increasing over past 20 years

Performance Benefits

Research limited: Mainly swimming & soccer athletes

• Sprint Performance: Improved short-duration, high-intensity activities

• Power Output: Enhanced anaerobic capacity and strength

• Sport-Specific Skills: Better performance in soccer dribbling and swimming

• Quick Results: Most benefits seen within 4–9 days

Clinical Applications

• Creatine Deficiency Disorders: GAMT & AGAT deficiencies

• Muscular Dystrophies: Modest strength improvements

• Brain Injuries: Preliminary therapeutic benefits

• Metabolic Disorders: Various paediatric conditions

Safety Profile

Key Safety Findings

• ✅ No serious adverse events reported in any paediatric studies

• ✅ Normal laboratory markers in multiple monitored studies

• ✅ FDA GRAS designation includes older children & adolescents

Research Limitations

• Limited long-term safety data in healthy adolescents

• Most research conducted outside the US

• Minimal data on adolescent females

• One small study suggested possible airway effects (needs confirmation)

Key Takeaways

• Current Evidence: Creatine appears relatively safe and potentially beneficial for adolescents, particularly for specific medical conditions and elite athletic performance.

• Need for Caution: More randomised controlled trials specifically examining long-term safety in healthy adolescent populations are urgently needed.

• Recommendation: Any use should involve proper medical supervision and consideration of individual circumstances.

Source: “Creatine Supplementation in Children and Adolescents” — Nutrients (2021)

Authors: Andrew R. Jagim & Chad M. Kerksick