Creatine
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After reading this site, my feelings are definitely mixed. The stories regarding liver and kidney failure are definitely alarming, and I don't question the validity of the remarks that have been made. That having been said, I am a 28 year-old male who used creatine monohydrate in powdered form for four months. I followed the directions religiously, drank plenty of water, and worked out like a madman, and was VERY pleased with the results. I experienced no side effects. (not even acne). However, I treated the supplement as a sole means to train well beyond a strength plateau that had been hampering me for two years. I experienced great strength and size gains, then, I GOT OFF the product. My conclusion is this: this is a product with most benefits derived from experienced lifters, who have aged well beyond teen years. It is foolish to assume ANY product should be taken indefinitely, particularly one where the long term effects are untested. I think that the key here, for most of us is to use common sense, and moderation There are a lot of additional variables to consider as well, starting with the differences in individuals..
It would be short-sighted to assume that a product that is fine for one individual is OK for everyone. Aspartame (Nutrasweet) has been widely used for a decade, and the majority of the populace has experienced no short-term side effects. However, to thousands of people, this seemingly harmless sweetener is a dangerous neurotoxin, and those that have experienced the ill effects are vocal in condemning the product (just like many of the unfortunate people on this site). Like creatine, the long term side effects are unknown. So to those who criticize creatine because the effects on our bodies in 20 or 30 years is not determined, you'd better toss out that Diet Coke in your hand as well (personally I generally choose to avoid aspartame, although an occasional diet drink, I have decided, is unlikely to make a difference).
For teens, I agree, the risks of taking the product far outweigh the gains. At an age where the body is virtually begging to grow stronger, a sustained exercise program in conjunction with a balanced (and abundant) diet will yield great results. The creatine is, at that stage, probably an unnecessary risk. (Moms, Did I mention it's expensive as hell?)
I don't for a second question the psychological effect of the drug. Two things drove me to train like a lunatic while I was taking creatine. The first was my belief that I had an "edge" that I didn't have before. I knew my cycle wouldn't last forever, and I wanted to take full advantage of the stuff while I could. The second factor, ironically,...was fear. Intuitively, I felt that taking this product, and working out in a half-assed way may encourage potential short-term side effects from manifesting themselves...so I pushed hard. Sure, some of the effects were mental...and I knew it then too. Does this detract from the appeal of the product? Not in my mind. But that's a personal choice.
It seems to me that moderation, and common sense are key issues here. Creatine is not, nor was it ever, intended to be the cornerstone of a fitness program. Anyone who is gulping the stuff down constantly like candy should rethink their priorities, and anyone trying to substitute hard work and nutrition for magic "strength in a jar" is just plain lazy. It helped me as a "supplement" and much of my strength gains remain long after quitting the product. For those who have experienced problems with Creatine, obviously...quit, but realize there are plenty of lifters out there who haven't had your problems. For me? Will I use Creatine again? Probably. Will I use the stuff in long-term, and frequent intervals? Definitely not.
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