Creatine -- a type of nitrogen that aids in muscle contraction -- occurs naturally in the human body. It's produced by the liver, kidneys and pancreas. But it is also available as a dietary supplement, and an increasing number of teenage athletes are starting to use this substance.

"It's considered a 'natural' way to enhance performance," reports My Optum Health Instead of building muscle tissue like anabolic steroids, creatine helps the muscles work for a longer time. [Creating use] seems to be most helpful for people who do sports that demand short bursts of speed or power, such as sprinting or weightlifting."

Though not a steroid, creatine has prompted many of the concerns that are associated with steroid use and other types of drug abuse by young athletes.

For example, parents and medical professionals are concerned about the effects creatine may have on adolescent bodies, especially in long-term users. In addition, because creatine is a supplement and not a drug, it isn't regulated, which means there are no quality or safety standards that have to be met. Some health experts also worry that it may strain and damage the kidneys.

Labels: steroids, abuse, creatine

Posted By: Aspen/CRC