Discuss the scientific evidence regarding the effects of using creatine supplementation to enhance performance in athletes

Answer 1

In the early 1980s researchers noted that study participants receiving creatine as part of an experimental treatment experienced weight gain and increased strength as side effects. Since then, numerous studies on creatine supplementation have been conducted in many different types of athletes. One consistent finding is that creatine supplementation does increase creatine levels in muscle tissue, especially in people who had low creatine levels to begin with. Whether higher muscle creatine translates into improved performance is less clear.
While large-scale, well-controlled clinical trials are lacking, the majority of studies assessing the effect of creatine on exercise performance show that creatine supplementation may enhance high-intensity, short-duration athletic performance such as sprinting or power lifting. There is little evidence of a benefit to athletes participating in low-intensity, endurance sports such as long-distance running. In fact, creatine supplements may hinder performance, because they cause weight gain that is mostly attributed to fluid retention. Although some athletes believe that creatine supplements stimulate muscle mass and strength, there is insufficient evidence to support this claim.
The safety of creatine supplementation has been widely debated. While some claim that it can cause dehydration, muscle cramps, and possibly impaired kidney and liver function, the majority of studies suggest that creatine supplementation is safe and poses very little risk, at least for short-term use in mature athletes. However, it has not been extensively studied in athletes under 18 years of age. Because data are largely lacking, creatine supplementation is not advised for this age group. Little is known about the effects of long-term creatine supplementation. It should be noted that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) prohibits institutions from providing creatine to athletes.