CREATINE
Over the years we have been asked questions about nutrition supplements for young people playing sports. Muscle milk, Explode, and other GNC powder concoctions are for sale legally as foods to students who wish to boost their strength. Unfortunately many of these powders or drinks contain excessive amounts of caffeine or a substance known as creatine.
Creatine is a substance obtained in the diet from meat and fish. It is also produced in the liver. It acts as an energy source in muscle tissue but has not been shown to improve performance. It can also inhibit sweating which is an essential mechanism of the body to prevent heat stroke or exhaustion.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Sports Medicine recommends against creatine supplementation in patients less than 18 years of age.