Creatine supplements

At one time they used to ask if you consumed alcohol or used recreational drugs.

TPM, those questions are still on the forms.

Creatine is the last of MLB's problems. Besides, it's been studied in depth, no reason for MLB to worry about it.

Jon, thank you for the link, I have it bookmarked for future use.

quote:

Creatine is the last of MLB's problems. Besides, it's been studied in depth, no reason for MLB to worry about it.

Jon Doyle

Since this is a HS baseball website, can you comment on the use and safety of creatine by teens? My understanding was that creatine is not FDA approved as the side effects are unknown.

All OTC supplements are legal according to the DSHEA act of 1994. Which basically says, if something is found in nature, it can be sold OTC.

It would be impossible for the FDA to approved every single supplement since there are tens of thousands. With that said, creatine is legal according to the DSHEA act.

However, this does not mean everything you buy is found in nature as some companies have stretched the DSHEA act into a grey area and sell pro-hormones/pro-steroids, which means compounds that are 1 or 2 metabolic steps away from steroids before they enter the body.

Anyway, back to your question: Is creatine safe?

I would suggest looking at the studies. After Gatorade, creatine is just about the most studied "supplement" of all time.

Creatine is found naturally in red meat, at about 2-2.5 grams per pound of meat. So, if your 16 year old eats meat, he is getting creatine.

The mis-information regarding creatine is astonishing in my opinion. Mainstream media has done a terrible job reporting it and it seems like every Tom, Dick and Harry has their opinion on it, yet probably isn't educated on basic nutrition and metabolic facts of the human body.

In fact, these same individuals that scream about how dangerous creatine is, usually allow thier kids to eat foods with hydrogenated fats, high fructose corn syrup, dangerous dyes and coloring, etc without thinking twice about it. Sure, those are FDA approved, but don't think for a second it's because they ar esafe. It's the all-mighty dollar my friend and these ingredients are killing America.

Of course, you have to make the decision with your doctor (find one that knows about sports nutrition - 99% are clueless and extremely unhealthy themselves - however, with that said, they simply cannot be expected to be up to date on every supplement, but can be expected to do due diligence if you inquire about it).

Creatine is being studied (and being shown effective) in a wide range of uses. From increasing anaerobic power (the kind used in baseball) to improving or delaying Alzheimers. Pretty cool.

Research shows creatine supplementation for these groups work best when creatine is not in high supply within your body. Basically, as a healthy individual, if you eat red meat 2-3 times a week or more, you prob. won't get dramatic results with supplementation.

However, if your creatine levels are low (vegetarians, older individuals, simply don't eat red meat often), the chances of dramatic improvements are higher. This is not always the case, but a general rule of thumb.

I'm trying to figure out why an MLB team is interested in whether a prospect is using this substance if it is a natural substance? Any MLB scouts out there?

From what I have read about creatine, the thinking may be that it leads to more. While it is found in red meat, most studies I have read indicate those that take creatine take more of it than labels recommend. "Gains" tend to disappear when it is no longer used as well. Finally, and this is probably the biggest reason for the question, some studies indicate those that take creatine are more likely to take andro, those that take andro are more likely to take steriods. It's the old pot is a gateway drug argument.

I don't know what weight to put in those arguments/studies, and I'm sure Mr. Doyle disagrees (and I wouldn't pretend to know as much as he on this topic area). However, the arguments make sense to me.

There have again been several discussions on this board about creatine. Many support its use and have info. to back that up. For our household we do not allow our son to use it and he has no desire. It has taken a lot of hard work and good nutrition diligently and natural strength from maturing. But if your athlete works hard, eats well, supplements with a good protein source they will have results. I personally dont see the need for it. JMO

I have not encouraged my son to use creatine because there are no requirements for producers of creatine supplements to test the true content of their product. Nor does the content of the bottle have to reflect the label. Basically there is nobody holding the manufacturers accountable.

I am skeptical of the boisterous marketing hype.

PUHD,
I have no clue why they would ask but it's not because they might think it may lead to the use of illegal drugs.

I think the real danger with teens using it is because they are not given proper direction on how, when, with what etc. They walk into a health food store and some guy on commission or making an hourly really couldn't care less because he really knows nothing about the person asking for it. Or can be purchased over teh internet. This should be discussed with a trainer, doctor or a nutritionist.

I am neither for or against it, just understand the purpose and why it is used.

The FDA is a joke. Take a look at ingredients in some approved multi vitamins, pretty scary if you do reseasrch on their ingredients.

TPM,

I agree with you on young people not understanding how and when to take any type of supplements.And I agree many people working in health food stores know nothing about supplements. We have worked with a nutrionist before and I have my nursing degree(associateds RN 2 semesters away from Bachelors) I know Jon has a lot of info on this product and many say it is safe.I am not disagreeing with him or his expertise. I just for my self and my family rather he didnt get used to taking a suplplement that is perceived to make you bigger.I think thats where the problem is as a young kid thinking sometimes is IF I get bigger on this why not try that other pre steroid that was mentioned earlier. I was in the health food store getting some whey protein and the counter guy said he has kids in there all the time asking for whatever is best for getting bigger, and they buy all that pre steroid products. I, of all parents understand the feeling of wanting your kid to put on some weight , and be stronger, but for us we are teaching one brick at a time, it takes longer but I think in the long run he will eat healthy, continue to work out for the health of his body and hopefully never get involved with anything bad for his body.
Even with the evedence for the safety of creatine I personally still have my verdict out. I agree it occurs in red meat, but just like tryptophan years ago, in the milk it was safe, when they isolated it to help people sleep it caused harm to many people. I dont like any isolated amino acids for the same reason, doesnt make sense , Id rather a kid take BCAA, proteins in their natural form all present in the chain , how they come by nature. I think that keeps body balanced. JMO

fanofgame,
Trust me I understand how you feel, I would not allow son to take it in HS. I also fed him hormone free beef and chicken and eggs when he was a teen and made sure he ate healthy foods. But I didn't allow it because I was afraid it would lead to steroid use. He began using it when he went off to college, after speaking with the trainer and understanding how to use it. He's an adult now and he can make his own choices.

If you ask a nutritionist not involved in sports training about some supplements used in sports training you will get a completely different response than asking a sports trainer that is involved in nutrition.

Taking creatine doesn't make one bigger just because you take it. It's taken to enhance one's energy and you need sustained energy in intensive workouts. Better workouts help the body to grow stronger and bigger. Mine also takes other supplements to help everything work together for better results and not doing it to get bigger, but to be in the physical shape he needs to be to prevent injury during season.
Once training period is over, most everything is shelved.

TPM,

I am not questioning your or your sons choices. I think you and I are on the same page. And your correct once they get with a trainer at college it might be used in a lot of programs. But a lot of kids just think getting bigger quick without the proper work along with it is the answer.Thats what scares me. The fellow I talked to at the nutrition store, I believe he told me you have to be 18 to buy some of these pre steroid products. But I bet they dont check IDs.This has and reamins a issue that many have different feelings on. I hope your son has a great spring training. My son starts practice at the JC next Wednesday while school starts the following Monday.It will be quite different now with 35 kids on the playing field instead of the large number that were out there all fall. Should get a lot more reps. Take it easy Happy New Year!!!!!!!!! to all

Fanofgame,
My comments were not directed to you, but what I feel is the big problem, teens just don't know how to properly use it, or parenst don't understand, that's a big problem too. I am not a big creatine fan for youngsters by the way but it is legal and does not lead to steroid use.
You have a pm.

TPM, got your PM sent you one. thanks for kind words. I think you hit the nail on the head KIDS might not use it correctly and since kids might get on this site I error on cautions side when saying supplements are ok. Its up to an educated parent to make that decision for thei own kids.As well some kids are looking for a shortcu instead of putting the time in to get stronger.

TX-Husker, I tend to agree on your reasons why MLB may be asking this. I wasn't comfortable with son stating yes on the form as the question seemed loaded. This question has created some good discussion among the group, I appreciate everyone's comments.

My son certainly does not need to build anymore bulk or muscle, he is 6-1 and now over 220lbs. Has legs like tree trunks. His problem is he works out, but it is negated by coach spud/video syndrome. Lucky for him he is working out burning more calories by playing basketball and the practices can be hard. I personally would rather he not use the substance for two reasons, cost and the negative opinion of MLB, but son would not be receptive to my advice.

The main reason it is still on some forms is for projection. Teams obviously want as much upside as possible. Creatine is a quick way to add strength and size. So, a player has more upside if he has not used creatine. Albeit its not a major factor, but still a factor. Taking creatine also means the individual has undertaken a strength & conditioning program, another thing teams want to know.

Creatine is very inexpensive. You can get a kilo of it for around $20 or less and at 3-5 grams a day will last you 8-12 months.

My stance will always be the same and was echoed by many in this thread. Learn the facts and make your decision based upon your situation and comfort level. Just realize where your info is coming from.

Good luck.

John,
Funny you mentioned that, I got that answer today

Using creatine is not seen as negative by college coaches or MLB. All answers should be answered honestly, because a urine test upon signing tells the story in may cases.

There is a differnce, IMO, between using it to bulk up and for added strength for excercise. One of the reasons why I stated that most teens using it have no clue what it is really needed for.
Those that bulkd up do more harm than good, they look all grown up and not projectable.

quote:

Originally posted by Tx-Husker:

quote:

Creatine is the last of MLB's problems. Besides, it's been studied in depth, no reason for MLB to worry about it.

Jon Doyle

Since this is a HS baseball website, can you comment on the use and safety of creatine by teens? My understanding was that creatine is not FDA approved as the side effects are unknown.

As soon as you realize the the FDA approval means nothing the better off you will be. Creatine has been more heavily studied then 99.9% of the pharmaceuticals they approve for the market.

Difference is Big Pharma is throwing enough money around to get the FDA to just about approve anything the want approved. Then we see patients dropping dead and "whoops, we better get that off the shelf."

On the other hand they are banning ephedra because it may cause increased heart rate. Or a athlete with asthma dies due to dehydration and not eating while cutting weight and they blame it on ephedra that was found in his system. Gee, if cheerios were found in his stomach would they ban them too?

I know I sound like a conspiracy theorist but its true.

Coming to a theater very near you soon, Gameth