Creatine Safe for Teens?

Hey guys Im a 17 year old lifter, pretty low strength. I want to take creatine Monohydrate because i feel it would be beneficial. As it is one of the most studied supplements out there, however my parents won’t let me take it because it could be “dangerous” i drink plenty of water and am very healthy…

Bottom line help me convince them so that i can take it.

creatine can improve exercise performance, enhance metabolism, and increase body fat, mostly with no side effects
same happen with kids, it is for the best.

try it as a pilot for few weeks, show them results or at least no bad effects

Parents care for their kids and want to protect them.

you can’t “convince” them. Education is what they need as it is apparent that they have no idea what it is. Or are basing their answer on the general “bad” (you know, high school kids dying, due to lack of hydration and they blamed the creatine…).

My mom thought I was taking steroids back in the '80’s. It was called a protein shake… But, she was a nurse, so we sat down with the Encyclopaedia Britannica (Internet did not exist) and we went thru the list of ingredients. I even learned a few things. She didn’t really like it but she let me take them, as she understood.

First, ask them why. Don’t fight it, just have a discussion.

Go from there.

[quote]alexrus wrote:
creatine can improve exercise performance, enhance metabolism, and increase body fat, mostly with no side effects
same happen with kids, it is for the best.

try it as a pilot for few weeks, show them results or at least no bad effects[/quote]

Wtf? No.

Creatine is naturally produced by your kidneys and liver. It is also contained in meat; red meat has the most creatine. It increases the formation of ATP, which essentially is the energy used in short duration anabolic exercise. Studies have also shown an increase in cognitive ability(your parents would like that one. Better performance in school).

In short, your body makes it anyway and it is beneficial to weight lifters. Side effect of creatine mono include some water retention, so you should gain a few lbs of water weight and that is typically it.

[quote]JFG wrote:
Parents care for their kids and want to protect them.

you can’t “convince” them. Education is what they need as it is apparent that they have no idea what it is. Or are basing their answer on the general “bad” (you know, high school kids dying, due to lack of hydration and they blamed the creatine…).[/quote]
Big x2 to all of this.

In the late-90s, when I was spending half my monthly paycheck on supplements, my mom basically said “I’m trusting you not to take anything bad.” So I was lucky. Still misinformed on my own, but lucky.

Creatine is probably the most thoroughly researched sports supplement in the last 20 years. There have been plenty of studies examining its benefits, side effects, interactions, etc. Some articles discussing all that (with varying levels of “science-y talk”):
http://www.T-Nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/new_uses_for_creatine

http://www.T-Nation.com/free_online_article/research_update/abc_news_vilifies_creatine
http://www.T-Nation.com/free_online_article/research_update/the_truth_about_the_media_creatine_scare

Those last two articles, in particular, talk about the case a few years ago that JFG mentioned, where several members of a high school football team were treated for compartment syndrome, which has more to do with them being poorly hydrated while exercising in 115-degree heat, and less to do with a supplement they may or may not have actually been taking.

It’s not my place to help you speak up to your parents (in case you show them this thread. Hi Mr and Mrs. R.), but if I were in your position, I’d explain that I’ve been self-disciplined enough to follow a smart and safe training program, I’m making sure to eat three good meals every single day because I understand that that’s the foundation of recovery and progress, and I believe that a supplement like creatine isn’t a magic pill at all, but it’s something that will help me further reach my goals.

Worst case scenario, you end up agreeing to not supplement with creatine for now. It’s useful, but it’s not essential. No big deal in the grand scheme of things.

My acne got a lot worse when I was taking creatine at the tender age of 18. I am still not sure why though, doesnt do that anymore.

[quote]Chris Colucci wrote:

[quote]JFG wrote:
Parents care for their kids and want to protect them.

you can’t “convince” them. Education is what they need as it is apparent that they have no idea what it is. Or are basing their answer on the general “bad” (you know, high school kids dying, due to lack of hydration and they blamed the creatine…).[/quote]
Big x2 to all of this.

In the late-90s, when I was spending half my monthly paycheck on supplements, my mom basically said “I’m trusting you not to take anything bad.” So I was lucky. Still misinformed on my own, but lucky.

Creatine is probably the most thoroughly researched sports supplement in the last 20 years. There have been plenty of studies examining its benefits, side effects, interactions, etc. Some articles discussing all that (with varying levels of “science-y talk”):
http://www.T-Nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/new_uses_for_creatine

http://www.T-Nation.com/free_online_article/research_update/abc_news_vilifies_creatine
http://www.T-Nation.com/free_online_article/research_update/the_truth_about_the_media_creatine_scare

Those last two articles, in particular, talk about the case a few years ago that JFG mentioned, where several members of a high school football team were treated for compartment syndrome, which has more to do with them being poorly hydrated while exercising in 115-degree heat, and less to do with a supplement they may or may not have actually been taking.

It’s not my place to help you speak up to your parents (in case you show them this thread. Hi Mr and Mrs. R.), but if I were in your position, I’d explain that I’ve been self-disciplined enough to follow a smart and safe training program, I’m making sure to eat three good meals every single day because I understand that that’s the foundation of recovery and progress, and I believe that a supplement like creatine isn’t a magic pill at all, but it’s something that will help me further reach my goals.

Worst case scenario, you end up agreeing to not supplement with creatine for now. It’s useful, but it’s not essential. No big deal in the grand scheme of things.[/quote]

Chris, i have showed my mom the articles you provided, she was very impressed with the knowledge on here, and i will most likely start taking creatine monohydrate, now do i need to cycle this? i plan on using purple K

[quote]NikH wrote:
My acne got a lot worse when I was taking creatine at the tender age of 18. I am still not sure why though, doesnt do that anymore.[/quote]
okay i will watch out, pre gives me mad bacne

[quote]jake_richardson wrote:

[quote]Chris Colucci wrote:

[quote]JFG wrote:
Parents care for their kids and want to protect them.

you can’t “convince” them. Education is what they need as it is apparent that they have no idea what it is. Or are basing their answer on the general “bad” (you know, high school kids dying, due to lack of hydration and they blamed the creatine…).[/quote]
Big x2 to all of this.

In the late-90s, when I was spending half my monthly paycheck on supplements, my mom basically said “I’m trusting you not to take anything bad.” So I was lucky. Still misinformed on my own, but lucky.

Creatine is probably the most thoroughly researched sports supplement in the last 20 years. There have been plenty of studies examining its benefits, side effects, interactions, etc. Some articles discussing all that (with varying levels of “science-y talk”):
http://www.T-Nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/new_uses_for_creatine

http://www.T-Nation.com/free_online_article/research_update/abc_news_vilifies_creatine
http://www.T-Nation.com/free_online_article/research_update/the_truth_about_the_media_creatine_scare

Those last two articles, in particular, talk about the case a few years ago that JFG mentioned, where several members of a high school football team were treated for compartment syndrome, which has more to do with them being poorly hydrated while exercising in 115-degree heat, and less to do with a supplement they may or may not have actually been taking.

It’s not my place to help you speak up to your parents (in case you show them this thread. Hi Mr and Mrs. R.), but if I were in your position, I’d explain that I’ve been self-disciplined enough to follow a smart and safe training program, I’m making sure to eat three good meals every single day because I understand that that’s the foundation of recovery and progress, and I believe that a supplement like creatine isn’t a magic pill at all, but it’s something that will help me further reach my goals.

Worst case scenario, you end up agreeing to not supplement with creatine for now. It’s useful, but it’s not essential. No big deal in the grand scheme of things.[/quote]

Chris, i have showed my mom the articles you provided, she was very impressed with the knowledge on here, and i will most likely start taking creatine monohydrate, now do i need to cycle this? i plan on using purple K [/quote]

Good product. Just take it as directed on the bottle and no need for cycles. Just keep it to one or two, as directed.

[quote]JFG wrote:

[quote]jake_richardson wrote:

[quote]Chris Colucci wrote:

[quote]JFG wrote:
Parents care for their kids and want to protect them.

you can’t “convince” them. Education is what they need as it is apparent that they have no idea what it is. Or are basing their answer on the general “bad” (you know, high school kids dying, due to lack of hydration and they blamed the creatine…).[/quote]
Big x2 to all of this.

In the late-90s, when I was spending half my monthly paycheck on supplements, my mom basically said “I’m trusting you not to take anything bad.” So I was lucky. Still misinformed on my own, but lucky.

Creatine is probably the most thoroughly researched sports supplement in the last 20 years. There have been plenty of studies examining its benefits, side effects, interactions, etc. Some articles discussing all that (with varying levels of “science-y talk”):
http://www.T-Nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/new_uses_for_creatine

http://www.T-Nation.com/free_online_article/research_update/abc_news_vilifies_creatine
http://www.T-Nation.com/free_online_article/research_update/the_truth_about_the_media_creatine_scare

Those last two articles, in particular, talk about the case a few years ago that JFG mentioned, where several members of a high school football team were treated for compartment syndrome, which has more to do with them being poorly hydrated while exercising in 115-degree heat, and less to do with a supplement they may or may not have actually been taking.

It’s not my place to help you speak up to your parents (in case you show them this thread. Hi Mr and Mrs. R.), but if I were in your position, I’d explain that I’ve been self-disciplined enough to follow a smart and safe training program, I’m making sure to eat three good meals every single day because I understand that that’s the foundation of recovery and progress, and I believe that a supplement like creatine isn’t a magic pill at all, but it’s something that will help me further reach my goals.

Worst case scenario, you end up agreeing to not supplement with creatine for now. It’s useful, but it’s not essential. No big deal in the grand scheme of things.[/quote]

Chris, i have showed my mom the articles you provided, she was very impressed with the knowledge on here, and i will most likely start taking creatine monohydrate, now do i need to cycle this? i plan on using purple K [/quote]

Good product. Just take it as directed on the bottle and no need for cycles. Just keep it to one or two, as directed.[/quote]

purple K, really? $35 dollars for 3 grams of creatine per serving 50 total serving.

I get 600 grams for less than $15.

Fusion does have great products (my wife used Purple K, pill are easier for her) although a little pricey. Biotest creatine is quite inexpensive.

Read the whole package. You don’t have to accept the claims or understand it. But all you are doing is compare creatine without looking at the rest. Don’t like it, don’t buy it.
I have tried it also (years ago) and found no difference to regular creatine (No bloat though). Just in price.

[quote]jake_richardson wrote:

[quote]Chris Colucci wrote:

[quote]JFG wrote:
Parents care for their kids and want to protect them.

you can’t “convince” them. Education is what they need as it is apparent that they have no idea what it is. Or are basing their answer on the general “bad” (you know, high school kids dying, due to lack of hydration and they blamed the creatine…).[/quote]
Big x2 to all of this.

In the late-90s, when I was spending half my monthly paycheck on supplements, my mom basically said “I’m trusting you not to take anything bad.” So I was lucky. Still misinformed on my own, but lucky.

Creatine is probably the most thoroughly researched sports supplement in the last 20 years. There have been plenty of studies examining its benefits, side effects, interactions, etc. Some articles discussing all that (with varying levels of “science-y talk”):
http://www.T-Nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/new_uses_for_creatine

http://www.T-Nation.com/free_online_article/research_update/abc_news_vilifies_creatine
http://www.T-Nation.com/free_online_article/research_update/the_truth_about_the_media_creatine_scare

Those last two articles, in particular, talk about the case a few years ago that JFG mentioned, where several members of a high school football team were treated for compartment syndrome, which has more to do with them being poorly hydrated while exercising in 115-degree heat, and less to do with a supplement they may or may not have actually been taking.

It’s not my place to help you speak up to your parents (in case you show them this thread. Hi Mr and Mrs. R.), but if I were in your position, I’d explain that I’ve been self-disciplined enough to follow a smart and safe training program, I’m making sure to eat three good meals every single day because I understand that that’s the foundation of recovery and progress, and I believe that a supplement like creatine isn’t a magic pill at all, but it’s something that will help me further reach my goals.

Worst case scenario, you end up agreeing to not supplement with creatine for now. It’s useful, but it’s not essential. No big deal in the grand scheme of things.[/quote]

Chris, i have showed my mom the articles you provided, she was very impressed with the knowledge on here, and i will most likely start taking creatine monohydrate, now do i need to cycle this? i plan on using purple K [/quote]

I personally recommend Creatine Malate sold here by Biotest. It’s dirt cheap and malate does not have the bloating effect that mono has.

[quote]JFG wrote:
Fusion does have great products (my wife used Purple K, pill are easier for her) although a little pricey. Biotest creatine is quite inexpensive.

Read the whole package. You don’t have to accept the claims or understand it. But all you are doing is compare creatine without looking at the rest. Don’t like it, don’t buy it.
I have tried it also (years ago) and found no difference to regular creatine (No bloat though). Just in price.[/quote]

did your wife get any bloating with purple k and did she loose strength and muscle gains when she went off ( of she did)

thanks for the help guys

what you decided?

[quote]alexrus wrote:
what you decided?[/quote]

Yes, I’m hopefully getting it tonight. probably which ever one is most reasonably priced

[quote]jake_richardson wrote:

[quote]JFG wrote:
Fusion does have great products (my wife used Purple K, pill are easier for her) although a little pricey. Biotest creatine is quite inexpensive.

Read the whole package. You don’t have to accept the claims or understand it. But all you are doing is compare creatine without looking at the rest. Don’t like it, don’t buy it.
I have tried it also (years ago) and found no difference to regular creatine (No bloat though). Just in price.[/quote]

did your wife get any bloating with purple k and did she loose strength and muscle gains when she went off ( of she did)[/quote]

No stomach bloating. And it worked like creatine works.

But, as stated above, it is a little pricey compared to just regular Creatine (due to added ingredients). If you decide on creatine Mono and it upsets your stomach, switch to creatine malate or spread your portions (IE: 2.5g in am and 2.5 in pm).

Good luck

Hey guys do I have to load creatine?? And if so should I not be training while loading? I was also confiding Allmax micronized creating which says you should load for 5 days, 2 scoops a day (before breakfast and after dinner) and they say you shouldn’t train!

[quote]jake_richardson wrote:
Hey guys do I have to load creatine?? And if so should I not be training while loading? I was also confiding Allmax micronized creating which says you should load for 5 days, 2 scoops a day (before breakfast and after dinner) and they say you shouldn’t train![/quote]

That is incredibly stupid. Of course you keep training. I think your expectations are too high for creatine also. Yes, it helps a little and will likely be able to train a little more often, but it is not a magic supplement.

You don’t need to load it. 5g-10g a day will be all you need