Creatine - The Law

The Law

Anyone of any age can buy creatine supplements and use them. They are legal. The burden of keeping them out of the hands of growing children and young adults falls on parents, doctors, coaches, and the young people themselves. Nutritional supplements have not been proven to turn an average, or even above-average athlete, into a sports star, like Mark McGwire. The odds of receiving a contract to play professional sports—in any sport—are very slim. A study published in NCAA News Online in 2000 stated that only 2 percent of college football players go on to play professional football. The percentage of high school players who win pro contracts is far smaller than that.

Since the long-term effects of creatine use are unknown, experts suggest that young athletes never begin using the supplements at all. Hard work and exercise should be used instead. Jose Luis Pelaez, Inc./Corbis.
Since the long-term effects of creatine use are unknown, experts suggest that young athletes never begin using the supplements at all. Hard work and exercise should be used instead. © Jose Luis Pelaez, Inc./Corbis.