Creatine and other supplements.
Ergogenic dietary supplement use is highly prevalent among adolescent and collegiate athletes, and use is increasing. To make appropriate recommendations for or against use by individual athletes, physicians who work with adolescent athletes should be knowledgeable about the most commonly used supplements and be able to access high-quality information about others. This article first discusses the legal and regulatory environment of dietary supplements. Several of the most commonly used supplements are then discussed in detail, including creatine, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, protein, amino acids, stimulants, alkalotic agents, glycerol, vitamins, and minerals. Finally, the "Gateway Theory" as it may relate to adolescent supplement and other drug use is discussed.
Lattavo
Anthony
A
Department of Medical Education, Grant Medical Center, 285 East State Street, Suite 670, Columbus, OH 43215-4354, USA. alattavo@columbus.rr.com
Kopperud
Andrew
A
Rogers
Peter D
PD
D000293:Adolescent; D003401:Creatine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004300:Doping in Sports; D006801:Humans
D003401:Creatine