16yr old DS wants to take creatin

[SummerDaysAreTheBest]

Is it just influencer marketing bollocks or should I buy him some?

It’s fine, most studied supplement there is! Lots of actual clinical data as opposed to most others.

Out of everything out there this is studied and safe!!

Can anyone recommend a brand?

They are all pretty much the same, so he can’t go too far wrong. I wouldn’t get a flavoured one so he can’t put it in protein drinks or smoothies.

Does he train?

Only worth taking if his diet plan and training is already spot on.

Myprotein or bulk powders do good value creatine monohydrate.

Yes. Regularly.

Yes buy him some. Any brand unless he’s competing in a tested sport (eg powerlifting). Monohydrate. (If he is competing you just need to be more careful with brands to avoid any cross contamination)

The taste of un-flavoured creatine has got to rank in the top ten most disgusting flavours

I use nutrition geeks, very good and reasonable prices too.

I take collagen, magnesium, biotin and now creatine

I'm peri menopausal and creatine has improved my general malaise of aches and pains, if that's of any relevance to anyone 😜 Alongside the usual magnesium, b vitamins, protein powder etc.

Creapure is meant to be the purest way to make it.

Do You mean plain creatine or protein drink? I have creatine in plain water and I honestly do t think it has any taste at all! Maybe a slightly weird texture, but I really can’t taste it.

the plain stuff, I think I got it from "my protein" years ago. the first time I used it I mixed it up like you describe, it made me gag and the texture, as you say, (very) weird. I could only drink it added to flavoured whey.

I it the powdered creatine monohydrate in my fruit tea each morning. And I now also have creatine gummies for when I’m traveling. Peppermint, and also I’m trying blue raspberry which is like having sweeties!

I buy creatine from a well known high street health food shop and mix it into my morning tea. I also have tablet form in peppermint

Thanks for the feedback
Google says it may not be great for kids:

No, creatine is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 due to a lack of long-term safety and effectiveness studies in this age group. Organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics advise against its use, recommending that young people focus on a balanced diet, proper nutrition, and hydration instead.

Reasons to avoid creatine under 18

• Lack of long-term data: There is insufficient research on the long-term health effects of creatine use in growing children and teenagers.
• Potential risks: While generally safe for adults, short-term use in teens has been linked to side effects like muscle cramps, dehydration, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Focus on fundamentals: Experts emphasize that young athletes should prioritize getting nutrients from whole foods like meat and fish, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep, rather than relying on supplements.
• Psychological concerns: Some research suggests that creatine use in teens, particularly boys, can be a sign of an unhealthy fixation on body image and muscularity, which may lead to mental health issues like muscle dysmorphia.

I guess I’m very aware of all the marketing currently around certain supplements (as a sucker for this myself!!) and and hyper vigilant about the kids being influenced too much.

DS is very healthy strong - he works out several times a week and is focused on a healthy protein full diet right now. I have agreed to natural protein smoothies which he has with yogurt frozen fruit… etc just a bit weary of adding anything unnecessary to him as he’s still growing.

Thanks all for your thoughts x

Interesting!

That looks like AI generated content?

I appreciate this may come across as snippy, which isn’t my intention, but if you’re more interested in what Google (AI?) says why did you ask experienced lifters in the first place? You’re asking people have likely done a bit more knowledge gathering and thinking than a quick google.

I had the very same question as OP some time ago (there's a thread here somewhere).

Like OP I had the same concerns about the impact of these supplements on the growing body. As far as I can see there has not been any research on long term impact when teenagers take creatine.

Did your own knowledge gathering find any thing?

Here's the thread I started a while ago (different username)

Thanks @limescale

Creapure creatine ensure purity, but and straight powder which gives 5g per serving is probably ok. New research showing cognitive benefits too so now many more using it for brain health