Creatine and Young Athletes: Where We Stand

The creatine question

When my son asked about creatine, I did not want a brand telling me what decision to make. I wanted to understand the evidence for myself.

I looked at what creatine can do, where the evidence is strongest, where guidance differs for younger athletes, and what I would be comfortable putting in my own son's routine.

— Cedric McCants, AUREVON Founder

What the evidence supports

Creatine monohydrate is one of the most extensively studied sports supplements. In adults, a substantial body of research supports improvements in high-intensity exercise capacity and training adaptations when creatine is used appropriately.*

The International Society of Sports Nutrition's 2017 position stand also supports creatine use by younger athletes under defined conditions, including serious supervised training, an appropriate diet, understanding how to use creatine, and staying within recommended doses.

That does not mean every organization interprets the evidence the same way.

Where guidance differs

The American Academy of Pediatrics takes a more cautious view for younger athletes. Its current parent guidance emphasizes fluids, adequate calories, training, conditioning and rest, and says studies have not shown an additional sports-performance benefit from creatine in younger athletes.

The ISSN is more permissive under defined conditions. The AAP is more cautious. I think parents should see both positions rather than be told the question is settled.

There is also a product-quality issue. Dietary supplements are not FDA-approved for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed, so clear labeling and product-specific quality information matter.

Where I landed as a father

That was my decision as a parent. It is also part of the thinking behind AUREVON. Other parents should see the evidence, understand where professional guidance differs, and make the decision they believe is right for their athlete.

Drug-tested athletes should also understand the requirements of their athletic program or governing organization before using any supplement.

Why AUREVON combines creatine + electrolytes

Creatine and electrolytes serve two separate jobs in the AUREVON system.

Performance: Creatine Hydration provides 5 g of creatine monohydrate per serving.

Hydration: It also provides 1,000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium and 60 mg magnesium per serving.

We combined them for routine simplicity: one product covering two clearly defined parts of the performance system. The electrolyte component is not there because creatine itself creates an electrolyte requirement.

See Creatine HydrationStart Here

Sources

Kreider RB, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2017.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Performance-Enhancing Sports Supplements: Information for Parents. HealthyChildren.org.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.