Creatine Essay, Research Paper

In the past, athletes had to turn to such things as anabolic steroids or blood doping (the process of taking out blood and adding oxygen to it and putting it back into your body in order to increase a persons endurance) to get an edge over the competition. However, these procedures have many drawbacks. Mainly, they are illegal. An athlete may be suspended form playing their sport for using them. They have many long terms and short term side effects. Now there is a new drug that can give an athlete the edge that they desire, Creatine. Creatine has exploded onto the supplement market. “Last year alone Creatine sales topped 100,000,000 dollars” (McDonald 7).

Creatine monohydrate has been proven to significantly enhance athletic performance in the areas of power, strength, and muscle mass. Most importantly though, at present, it does not seem to have any serious side effects. Also, since Creatine is found naturally in the body and in foods, “it has not been banned from use in athletic competition” (Brody 8). What is Creatine? Creatine is a nutrient that is found in many foods. It is most highly concentrated in lean red meat. “A half-pound of red meat contains about two grams of Creatine” (McDonald 7). Your body also produces Creatine in very small amounts. Creatine is necessary for proper cell functions and reproduction and is one of the main energy tools for muscle. (McDonald)

Creatine claims to have many advantages, such as increased endurance, increased overall work potential, increased speed of muscular action, and the potential to further increase muscle mass. If all this were true, it would be easy to see why athletes are turning to Creatine for an edge on the competition. The facts don’t lie Creatine has definite advantages. Since studies on Creatine effects are new, it is still unknown what long-term effects will have. Short-term side effects include dehydration, diarrhea, and muscle cramping. (Collins)

What most athletes do not know is that Creatine is not for everyone and many factors should be considered before beginning use. Age, health, and sport are just some of the factors to be considered by the athlete. If involved in aerobic activities, Creatine may not be the best answer because of the effect of gaining weight is a common result from use. The athlete’s health should also be a factor in deciding whether or not to use Creatine. Along with a healthy diet, newer study results show an effect on the kidney and liver. Creatine is an amino acid and there is concern that too much bulking could effect the kidney and the acidic level. Age is a big factor. Many teenagers have the mindset of getting big quick, when time needs to take its toll first. Dr. Collins says, “My recommendation is for teens to wait” (Oakley 1). Adolescence is a very important time of grown and maturity, and rushing that process could very possibly be harmful to the long-term outcome.

The scariest effect of Creatine is that of the unknown. Who knows, maybe fifteen years down the road athletes who took Creatine will all suffer some serious side effects? Maturity is the key, not only mature in the decisions and priorities to gain muscle but maturity in the long-term effects. Growing athletes should recognize the importance of true natural growth. The Creatine supplement drug should be regulated for adolescent performance use.