hello,

I was wondering to what extent we know of Creatine providing any negative effects to children--approximately aged 15-17: though I do know that it has not been around long enough for significant research to of been conducted (especially surrounding the heart-muscle barrier of things).

Any conclusions drawn would likely include growth plate factors, nutrition, level of activity and goals (power, strength, endurance) and the time frame involved, right?

Also, ZMA's effects on youth's (15-17) sleep cycles and how much benefit this would likely give [taking ZMA supplement].

Regards,
Rugby Canada

Hi!
My name is Dave, I'm also your age and I can answer some of your questions.

The things you read about creatine online are mostly written by those that sell it (I've done research as well.) Creatine can be known to cause dehydration and cramps and stiffening of the jaw at times (as I'm sure you read about). When I broke my thumb, I went to a physical therapist and I asked him if i could use anytihng to help me lit like I used to before my thumb heal, to gain my strength back. He told me that Creatine is not necessary.
Personally, I don't think you should use creatine mainly because it hasn't been around long enouhg for significant research to have been conducted. I know many people our age that are extremely athletic and fit who do not use creatine.


I've taken ZMA (Zinc Magnesium Aspartate right?) The guy at GNC just told me that it helps you relax after a workout and keeps you from getting as sore. It doesn't really help you gain muscle or anything like that and it didn't really help me relax either. Just take a multivitamin. When you lift hard, or just start lifting, you'll experience DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) It happens and you can't really avoid it.

I'm 16 and have been using creatine for a year and a half on and off. No side effects but used to get terrible cramps when i didn't drink a lot of water. Beware though because once you take it you will notice some improvement and maybe weight gain but it quickly goes away once you stop using it because most is water weight.

There have never been any proven side effects of creatine; however, realize that it hasn't been around long enough to know if there are any long-term effects. Here is a great article. I've done two cycles. The first worked great, the second less so, and I haven't taken since.

I actually just started taking ZMA again myself. It does help with the sleep, but supposedly it also tends to increase growth hormone. Here is the wikipedia entry

If you have further questions about supplements, workouts, or nutrition post to my website, so I know I can get back to you Workout Review It is a bunch of junky ads now because I am trying to increase my page ranking, but it'll be legit in a month or so.