Creatine supplementation in the pediatric and adolescent athlete-- A literature review.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review of predominantly randomized controlled trials following PRISMA guidelines.
PubMed 37008451 · doi:10.1016/j.jor.2023.03.010
What was done
PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched following PRISMA guidelines for studies evaluating creatine supplementation in healthy pediatric and adolescent athletes. After screening 9,393 identified records, 13 articles met inclusion criteria and were evaluated for quality, performance outcomes, and safety.
What was found
The 13 included studies comprised 268 total participants with mean ages ranging from 11.5 to 18.2 years. Over 75% of studies were randomized controlled trials, and 85% focused on soccer players or swimmers. Study quality was universally characterized as poor. There were no consistent findings showing performance enhancement, and no studies were designed to evaluate safety.
Why it matters
Despite popular interest in sports supplements for young athletes, current evidence does not demonstrate reliable performance benefits and entirely lacks safety data regarding growth, development, or long-term health in adolescents.
Limits
The total evidence base is small (268 total participants across 13 studies) and narrowly focused on soccer and swimming. Overall study quality was poor, quantitative performance metrics were inconsistent, and no studies formally assessed adverse events, renal function, or developmental safety.
Cited by
- contradicts Scientific reviews indicate that creatine supplementation is safe in adolescent children and teenagers and improves balance, agility, and body composition.
- contradicts Literature shows that creatine supplementation in young children participating in sports like soccer improves agility and is safe.