Is Creatine Safe for Teens?

Creatine is popular with teens--but is it safe?

Flickr

Creatine is popular with teens–but is it safe?

Everybody wants that dream body idolized on the internet. However, most don’t want to put in the effort needed to get it. Although there is no magic pill to make you ripped, there are supplements to help you. One of the most studied supplements in the lifting industry is creatine. 

But what is creatine? According to Healthline, “Creatine is a substance found naturally in muscle cells. It helps your muscles produce energy during heavy lifting or high-intensity exercise.” 

The use of creatine supplements by athletes and bodybuilders is common. Creatine increases muscle mass, builds strength, and enhances exercise performance. You can find creatine in foods such as pork, tuna, beef, and more. However, it is challenging to get enough in this way to make an effect on your physique. The most common form of creatine is a powder that you can mix with water and sports drinks, but there are other forms, such as pills and chewable gummies.

You must be thinking that this is too good to be true. Some believe that creatine has dangerous side effects, including kidney and liver damage, dehydration, and digestive problems. According to Healthline all of the rumors have been scientifically proven wrong, and most of the side effects of creatine are beneficial. Creatine has been in use for many years, and it’s not going anywhere. It is not a steroid and is legal in the bodybuilding world as one of the few substances bodybuilders can use to enhance their bodies and lift without being accused of cheating. 

Now to answer the main question: Is creatine safe, and is it worth the risk? Creatine is safe for teens as long as the user takes precautions and follows the directions.

So is creatine worth a purchase? That depends on your goals. If you are trying to get bigger and stronger in a short amount of time, then creatine would be worth it. However, if you are just trying to improve your health and don’t care about strength or looks, then it is not worth it.