Survey Looks at Creatine Users

Survey Looks at Creatine Users

NORFOLK, Va.--In the September International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (10:245-259, 2000), researchers found significant associations in regards to creatine supplement users. In a survey completed by 229 military and non-military personnel, questions were asked concerning demographics, exercise habits and use of creatine and other supplements. It was found that 194 supplement users and 35 non-users engaged in similar frequency and duration of aerobic exercise.

Significant associations were observed between supplements users and resistance training goals in frequency and in strength [as opposed to endurance]. It was found that creatine users were usually males, affected resistance training strength, lowered frequency and duration of aerobic training, and also supplemented with protein, b-hydroxy-b-methyl butyrate and androstenedione supplements.

Average creatine use was 12.2 g/day for 40 weeks. Popular, commercial magazines were the main source of creatine information (69 percent) compared to physicians (14 percent) or dietitians (10 percent). The researchers concluded that this survey underscored two potential health concerns: 1) relying on popular media rather than medical professionals for creatine information and 2) using creatine in combination with anabolic supplements that have not proven to work or be safe. "The observations have always been a problem in that...those marketing a supplement [think they] know more than [researchers]," said Conrad Earnest, Ph.D., at the Dallas-based Cooper Institute for Aerobics ResearchFor a copy of the abstract, visit www.humankinetics.com.