Gym and fitness content is all over social media. Fitness content creators share videos and posts about how they achieved their physique and fitness goals in addition to workouts. One supplement that is frequently talked about online is creatine. Creatine is an amino acid that the body naturally produces, and it is used for energy in the brain as well as in muscles. The energy creatine produces enhances physical fitness and can increase muscle mass. Thus, it is commonly used as a supplement by bodybuilders and those wanting to build muscle. Although creatine is widely accepted as a safe and effective supplement for adults, many are skeptical of the safeness of creatine for teenagers. Furthermore, with the large amount of people talking about the benefits of creatine, adolescents may also want to take creatine to increase their performance in sports or in the gym. It is important for teens to understand how creatine can affect their body and if they should take the supplement or not. When eating seafood and red meat, a small amount of creatine is also consumed. It is naturally occurring in these foods and is perfectly safe to eat regardless of age. Creatine only becomes a problem for teens when it is taken as a supplement. Creatine is produced by the liver and kidneys; these organs only make about 1 gram of creatine a day. Taking creatine supplements can potentially harm these organs, especially when taken in high doses, particularly 5 grams or higher. There are other side effects of creatine, such as cramps, dehydration, nausea, and headaches. These side effects alone can be harmful to a teen’s health. They also may affect a teen’s performance in school and other activities. 

However, some adults have argued that creatine can be beneficial as a supplement for teenagers, since it can reduce muscle recovery time and improve stamina. Though this may be true, it is best to speak with one’s doctor before taking creatine if they are under the age of 18. Creatine may be beneficial to a teen’s health, but it can also be harmful if it is not taken in the right dosage. If anyone is looking to take creatine as a supplement, they should look for pure creatine with nothing added, as other unfamiliar ingredients may affect one’s health. Overall, teenagers may take creatine, but it is important to fully understand the effects it can have on their health.