FREE ESSAY ON CREATINE

CREATINE

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.