Use of oral creatine as an ergogenic aid for increased sports performance:Perceptions of adolescent athletes

Background. Competitive athletes, including adolescents, seek ways to gain advantage over competitors. One ergogenic aid is creatine, a naturally occu rring nitrogen compound found primarily in skeletal muscle. Increasing crea tine levels may prolong skeletal muscle activity, enhancing work output. Methods. A questionnaire assessing awareness and use of creatine supplement ation was completed by 674 athletes from 11 high schools. Data were statist ically analyzed to determine variation among groups. Results. Of those surveyed, 75% had knowledge of creatine supplements, and 16% used creatine to enhance athletic performance. Percentage of use increa sed with age and grade level. Awareness and use were greater among boys tha n girls. Adverse effects were reported by 26%. Most athletes consumed creat ine using a method inconsistent with scientific recommendations. Conclusions. Use of creatine by adolescent athletes is significant and inco nsistent with optimal dosing. Physicians, athletic trainers, and coaches sh ould disseminate proper information and advise these adolescent athletes.