Ergogenic Aid - Creatine Use & Effects on Society - Paul Semenets

Creatine is nutritional supplement that falls under the broad category of products known as ergogenic aids that are designed to chemically improve athletic performance. This substance is banned by major sports organizations including the International Olympic committee, The National Athletic Association, and The United States Olympic Committee. Creatine is prohibited because it has been proven that it offers an unfair advantage to competitors and to increase health risks of cancer and stroke. Creatine is the …

…time to address the issue of ergogenic aid use and discuss the importance of healthy behaviors with their patients, including potential hazards of creatine use. Communication is needed among a team of physicians, nurses, coaches, and athletic trainers, all of who are responsible for the health and safety of young athletes. Until more information is available about safety in children and adolescents, health care providers should actively discourage use of creatine in their young patients.